Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a vent tube apparatus, system and methods incorporating a ball cage with a modified pill device design comprising a traceable material such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use in conjunction with a filling machine during container filling operations for a quicker and more accurate detection of the location of the pill device to the extent it becomes detached from the ball cage during filling operations, and to increase the safety of the filling operation and reduce costs and time when a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling and filling flexible pouches in which a feeder mechanism 300 delivers a chain of interlinked flexible pouches 200 to a selector mechanism 600 comprising a linear actuator 602 and selector head 604 operable to detach the leading pouch 200 from the chain of pouches and move the selected pouch 200 to a station for removing a cap from the pouch 200, filling the pouch 200 with liquid, re-attaching the cap and releasing the pouch for dispense.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling and filling flexible pouches in which a feeder mechanism 300 delivers a chain of interlinked flexible pouches 200 to a selector mechanism 600 comprising a linear actuator 602 and selector head 604 operable to detach the leading pouch 200 from the chain of pouches and move the selected pouch 200 to a station for removing a cap from the pouch 200, filling the pouch 200 with liquid, re-attaching the cap and releasing the pouch for dispense.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: providing a database server having a database comprising real-time data related a warehouse object, the real-time data including data regarding the location of the warehouse object and data regarding the time and date the warehouse object became resident at the location, the real-time data populated in the database by warehouse management software; providing at least one rule related to when a condition of location for the warehouse object must cease, each rule having an associated trigger based on a lead time required to avoid violation of the rule; receiving data related to the warehouse object at a computer; predicting a potential violation of the rule by comparing, on the computer, data regarding the time-date the warehouse object became resident at the location with the trigger; generating an alarm related to a potential violation of the rule; and providing an alarm to an operator.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a post-mix beverage is characterized by a disposable concentrate beverage unit and a disposable pump unit that are housed in a refrigerated area of the beverage dispenser. The pump unit is operable to dispense metered volumes of concentrate for mixing with a regulated flow of diluent to dispense a required ratiometric mixture thereof.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compression ignition engine is connected with an advanced cruise control system. The advanced cruise control system is capable of measuring distance to a vehicle or other object in front of equipment that is power by the compression ignition engine. Signals produced by the advanced cruise control system, at least in part, are used to determine the power output of the engine. In the event that the electronically controlled engine receives no signals from the advanced cruise control system, the electronic control may disengage or disable the advanced cruise control.

Abstract: Roller door control apparatus including a AC driving motor, a door travel distance sensor, a micro processor and associated memory apparatus adapted to receive information concerning on/off status of the driving motor as well as door position information; driving motor control means responsive to information stored in the memory apparatus adapted to cut power to the motor in advance of the door reaching a desired limit; the information comprising an estimate of the distance which the door will ran-on after power is cut to its driving motor; the estimate being based upon the run-on experienced after power was cut to the motor driving the door in the previous travel cycle in the same direction or other prior travel cycles in the same direction and stored in the memory apparatus.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism adapted to facilitate disengageable manual operation of a roller door or shutter comprising a chain pulley wheel journalled for rotation about the axis of a first shaft permanently engaged with or common with the main shaft about which the door or shutter is stored but not constrained to rotate with the first shaft at times when such shaft is driven other than manually; a clutch disc journalled alongside the chain pulley wheel on the same axis and similarly free to rotate independently of the first shaft; a linking pin on the chain pulley wheel between the chain pulley wheel and the clutch disc to link the chain pulley wheel to the clutch disc such that rotation of one causes rotation of the other about their common axis; biasing springs on the clutch disc constraining the free end of the linking pin to bias the linking pin into an equilibrium linked position; the biasing springs being sufficiently weak that a light tug on the chain about the chain pulley wheel will allow limited relative r

Abstract: A molded plastic seedling tray with an array of depressions thereon, with holes in the bottom of the depressions, each depression comprising a germination cell for growing plants. A perimeter side wall around the edge of the tray holds the germination cells up from the supporting surface so as to insure an air circulation chamber under the cells. Indexing holes are formed in the perimeter at intervals equal to the space between cells so that a planting machine can engage the holes and index the cells by one hole at a time, and thus one cell at a time. The indexing holes also provide root drying ventilation to enable self pruning.

Abstract: A baking tray includes an outer shell and a bottom plate positioned within the outer shell for supporting a food item. The bottom plate is removable from the outer shell to separate the food item from the outer shell. The baking tray also includes a divider assembly positionable within the outer shell adjacent to the bottom plate. The divider assembly is configured to divide the food item supported on the bottom plate into a plurality of pieces.