Abstract: A cutter for effecting severing of a conduit. The inventive device includes first and second handle members pivotally coupled together and including first an second jaws. Cutting assemblies are supported within each jaw and include a pail or spaced and rotatable cutting disks which engage an exterior of a conduit to effect cutting thereof during manual rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A wheelchair back assembly suitable for detachable mounting to the back-supporting posts of a wheelchair. The back assembly includes a relatively rigid shell member carrying post-engaging hooks and a plurality of mounting units formed to be mounted on the wheelchair posts. The mounting units are further formed to slidably receive and automatically releasably lock a pair of the post-engaging hooks on the shell member to the posts against unintentional removal of the back assembly from the wheelchair during normal use of the wheelchair. The mounting units are also formed for single-handed automatic unlocking and release of the pair of hooks from the mounting units and posts upon rotation of the shell member forwardly over the wheelchair seat by an amount in excess of any displacement occurring during normal use of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.

Abstract: A milk frothing system is provided whereby milk is first frothed by controlled introduction of air, and then heated by circulation in a conduit which passes through a hot water tank. Milk initially is drawn into a milk frother from a cold milk supply, such milk supply preferably being replaceably housed in an onboard refrigerator. Once frothed, milk is directed through a frothed milk conduit, passing through an ambient pressure hot water tank so as to heat the frothed milk. An espresso water conduit similarly may be connected to a water supply, such espresso water conduit passing water through the hot water tank so as to heat the water. The heated water is passed through espresso grounds to produce espresso which is discharged through an espresso discharge nozzle. The hot frothed milk is passed directly through a milk discharge nozzle for use in making a beverage such as cappuccino or the like.

Abstract: The improved magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block retainer mechanism that provides a positive locking function to automatically secure the leader block in place in the opening of the magnetic tape cartridge housing. The leader block retainer mechanism comprises detent members springably attached to both the top and bottom sides of the housing, juxtaposed to the opening, to engage corresponding features on the leader block to resist withdrawal of the leader block from the housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for defining a write protect state of a data storage media enclosed in a housing of a data storage element is disclosed. The mechanism includes an aperture formed in an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the aperture has a first region and a second region. A member is movably secured within the aperture and is manually moveable between a first position wherein the member is positioned proximate the aperture first region, and a second position wherein the member is positioned proximate the aperture second region. A first human intelligible mark is placed on the housing proximate the aperture first region. The first human intelligible mark depicts a portion of a predetermined symbol corresponding to one of a write enabled state and a write protect state of the data storage media. A second human intelligible mark is placed on the member. The second human intelligible mark depicts a remaining portion of the symbol.

Abstract: The improved leader block uses a substantially rectangular body that is equipped with two tape guide projections which form, in conjunction with the front of the body, a U-shaped channel open at one end and adapted to received the end of the magnetic tape that extends through the opening in the housing of the magnetic tape cartridge. The size and shape of this U-shaped channel substantially corresponds to the dimensions of the magnetic tape in order to precisely align the magnetic tape within the channel and with reference to the leader block body. The section of the front of the leader block body that constitutes the bottom of the U-shaped channel includes a plurality of parallel oriented, spaced apart grooves inscribed therein. These grooves extend from the top tape guide projection to the bottom tape guide projection in order to provide slots to receive corresponding projections that are included on the surface of the cover of the leader block.

Abstract: A security cartridge for magnetic tape recording media especially adapted for use with an electronic article surveillance system. The security cartridge includes a cartridge casing defining an internal, tape receiving chamber, a reel of magnetic tape windably carried within the chamber and a pair of orthogonally oriented magnetic markers carried within the internal chamber by a marker carrier bracket. The carrier bracket includes a pair of bracket leaves that present first and second generally orthogonally oriented, generally planar marker mounting surfaces, and engagement margins for operably, abutably engaging the internal structure of the cartridge chamber to position the carrier bracket within the chamber.

Abstract: The universal data storage element presents a of uniform form factor that enables the user to vary the contents to include a selection of media types to provide variable data storage and/or recording characteristics. The physical characteristics of the media located within the data storage element are identified by a coding arrangement located on the exterior housing of the data storage element. The data storage element self identification apparatus consists of a plurality of coding apertures arranged in a linear array and located along one edge of the exterior housing of the data storage element. These coding apertures are placed as a function of the type of media contained within the data storage element or various data management characteristics of this media. The coding apertures are implemented by inserting a block into a corresponding recess in the front of the housing. One of the apertures is manually definable by a slide mechanism to enable a user to set the write protect status of the media.

Abstract: A beverage brewer is provided which can be assembled without tools from a plurality of component parts and subassemblies. The brewer includes a housing and an internal tank which engages the body of the housing by means of a tank support system. The tank support system attaches the tank to the housing body through relative rotating between the tank and the housing body. A detachable outflow spout on the tank, when attached to the tank, engages a portion of the housing body and prevents rotation of the tank, thereby interlocking the tank to the housing body. A removable access panel on the front of the brewer engages the outflow spout and prevents its detachment from the tank when the panel is in place on the body. The panel thereby locks the tank into the housing, as well as closes the housing. The access panel is locked into place using a key lock. Additional parts of the brewer, including the bottom panel and legs, can be detached without tools only when the panel is removed.

Abstract: An automatic fluid-flow control system is provided for controlling the quantity of fluid allowed to flow uninterrupted through a conduit. It is particularly useful in controlling potentially damaging floods caused by breakage in a branch plumbing line used to supply water to beverage dispensing appliances, ice-making machines and similar devices which repeatedly consume limited quantities of water in relatively short flow cycles. The fluid-flow control system includes a flow meter which emits a signal containing information about the flow of fluid and also indicating when fluid is flowing and when it is not. The preferred metering device emits pulses at a rate proportional to the flow rate. A counter accumulates a pulse count during each period of fluid flow. A separate pulse sensing network senses the beginning and end of each period of fluid flow and disables and initializes the counter whenever fluid is not flowing.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a tape support reel in a tape cartridge housing has a single ball bearing and a bearing support mounted to the housing to extend along a rotational axis of the reel. The bearing assembly also has a concave bearing surface on an opposed surface of the reel for receiving the ball bearing and a coil spring for urging the bearing support and ball bearing against the concave bearing surface.

Abstract: A portable cabinet is provided for facilitating the operation of espresso and coffe-making machines and for the merchandising of espresso and coffee. The cabinet includes a counter top with at least two beverage preparation stations at different levels, one for preparing espresso and the other for preparing coffee. An internal fresh water supply and plumbing system enables the cabinet to be used at locations where a continuous supply of fresh water is unavailable. Filtered water from a holding tank is supplied to both beverage preparation stations on the top counter. A power distribution system built into the cabinet supplies electric power to both beverage preparation stations and to built-in lighting within the canopy which extends over the top counter. An internal waste water collection system drains waste water from the espresso-making machine to a waste water holding tank.