Abstract: In cosmetic dispensers for fluids, such as for example deodorants or antiperspirants comprising a bottle, a flow regulator in a housing mounted on the bottle and a cap rotatably mounted on the bottle or particularly onto the flow regulator housing, there is a risk that the housing can part from the bottle or be moved out of alignment by fitting or removal of the cap. This problem can be ameliorated or eliminated by employing a plurality of sets of anti-rotation elements at or adjacent to the mouth of the bottle around its periphery, each set comprising a peg and a socket. Preferably, the housing is bifurcated inward of the flow regulator, one wall extending within the bottle and the other wall extending out side the wall, and desirably the bottle wall is of reduced wall thickness in the overlap so that the exterior of the bottle surface and housing surface can be flush at their line of contact.

Abstract: Conventional dispensers for a cosmetic fluid, such as a liquid, comprises a bottle having a housing for a low regulator, such as a roller or preferably a ball and a cap which is securable to the bottle by a single set of co-operating screw threads. An improved dispenser secures the cap to the bottle, and especially to the housing, by a plurality of sets of mounting elements, one of which comprises a cam providing axial movement of the cap when it is rotated around the bottle and the other a follower, such a lug and bayonet. One element is mounted on the interior of the cap and the other on the exterior of the bottle/housing. The mounting elements on the bottle/housing advantageously are separated both laterally around the periphery and axially so as to permit the mounting elements on the cap to pass axially between adjacent bottle elements and the cap to be rotated until matched sets of elements are brought into contact.

Abstract: An ITMS includes an inlet for receiving a sample that will be tested for a substance of interest. The inlet communicates with an ionization chamber and a drift chamber communicates with the downstream end of the ionization chamber. A first grid electrode extends across the downstream end of the ionization chamber and a second grid electrode is slightly downstream from and parallel to the first grid electrode. A slight potential bias is applied to the first grid electrode to hold the ions in the potential well between the first and second grid electrodes. However a pulse is applied periodically to the first grid electrode to accelerate ions into the drift chamber. The accumulation of the ions in the potential well prior to generation of the pulse results in a thinner band of ions ejected into the drift chamber and hence achieves higher resolution.

Abstract: A reagent container for use in an automatic fluidic system, the automatic fluidic system, and a method for transferring reagent to the automatic fluidic system are provided. The reagent container includes a portable reservoir configured to hold a discrete volume of a reagent therein. The reagent container further includes a needleless valve removably secured to the portable reservoir. The needleless valve has a valve housing, a valve portion, and a cap member. The valve housing has first and second interior regions and a first opening disposed between the first and second interior regions. The second interior region fluidly communicates with an interior region of the portable reservoir. The valve portion has a closed operational position for preventing reagent flow through the first opening from the portable reservoir. The valve portion has an open operational position for allowing reagent flow through the first opening from the portable reservoir.

Abstract: An ITMS includes an inlet for receiving a sample that will be tested for a substance of interest. The inlet communicates with an ionization chamber and a drift chamber communicates with the downstream end of the ionization chamber. A first grid electrode extends across the downstream end of the ionization chamber and a second grid electrode is slightly downstream from and parallel to the first grid electrode. A slight potential bias is applied to the first grid electrode to hold the ions in the potential well between the first and second grid electrodes. However a pulse is applied periodically to the first grid electrode to accelerate ions into the drift chamber. The accumulation of the ions in the potential well prior to generation of the pulse results in a thinner band of ions ejected into the drift chamber and hence achieves higher resolution.

Abstract: Conventional dispensers for a cosmetic fluid, such as a liquid, comprises a bottle having a housing for a low regulator, such as a roller or preferably a ball and a cap which is securable to the bottle by a single set of co-operating screw threads. An improved dispenser secures the cap to the bottle, and especially to the housing, by a plurality of sets of mounting elements, one of which comprises a cam providing axial movement of the cap when it is rotated around the bottle and the other a follower, such a lug and bayonet. One element is mounted on the interior of the cap and the other on the exterior of the bottle/housing. The mounting elements on the bottle/housing advantageously are separated both laterally around the periphery and axially so as to permit the mounting elements on the cap to pass axially between adjacent bottle elements and the cap to be rotated until matched sets of elements are brought into contact.

Abstract: In cosmetic dispensers for fluids, such as for example deodorants or antiperspirants comprising a bottle, a flow regulator in a housing mounted on the bottle and a cap rotatably mounted on the bottle or particularly onto the flow regulator housing, there is a risk that the housing can part from the bottle or be moved out of alignment by fitting or removal of the cap. This problem can be ameliorated or eliminated by employing a plurality of sets of anti-rotation elements at or adjacent to the mouth of the bottle around its periphery, each set comprising a peg and a socket. Preferably, the housing is bifurcated inward of the flow regulator, one wall extending within the bottle and the other wall extending out side the wall, and desirably the bottle wall is of reduced wall thickness in the overlap so that the exterior of the bottle surface and housing surface can be flush at their line of contact.

Abstract: A transaction processing system and method includes a transaction interface for conveying transactions; a memory for storing the transactions in a queue; and a processor. The processor includes an identifier generator for generating an identifier for each transaction in the queue; and a transaction controller for using the identifier to provide access by an agent to the transaction corresponding to the identifier. The transaction processing system and method provides for the management and processing of transactions including inbound and outbound telephone calls as well as other transactions such as electronic mail, voice mail, video calls, facsimile transmissions, data packets over the Internet, etc. Automatic source identification may be used, such as automatic number identification, for providing agents with available information of an inbound caller or message sender prior to handling such caller or sender for improved transaction processing.

Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.

Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.

Abstract: Described is a table easily assembled from a number of uniform components including rail and leg members secured together at the corners of the table by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly can be used for this as well as other uses and includes an inner bracket having three mutually perpendicular arms underlying ends of respective rail and leg members, and an outer bracket fitting thereover.