Abstract: The invention is a prefabricated rigid wall panel assembly constructed of a plurality of C-shaped studs inserted into kerfs in a foam block. The closed ends of the C-shaped studs and the foam block form substantially planar longitudinal edges of the panel assembly capable of abutting an adjacent panel assembly. Optionally, a header and/or footer plate inserted is into a transverse kerf such that the plate overlaps the ends of the studs, and the header and/or footer plate and the foam block form a substantially planar transverse edge of the panel assembly. Adjacent panel assemblies are preferably secured to one another using a clip, the shape of which depends on the angle at which the panel assemblies abut. Each panel assembly may also have a wire chase.

Abstract: The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

Abstract: A simulated smoke generator method and apparatus is provided for generating a consistent smoke plume. By using a closed loop controller to maintain at least one property, affecting one or more characteristics of the oil, at a desired level, a consistent type of simulated smoke is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for detecting aerosol includes transmitting a light beam, focusing at least one image sensor having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the light beam on a portion of the light beam, capturing an image of the light beam by the image sensor(s), and detecting aerosol if the image of the light beam has a predefined shape and at least a predetermined intensity. Therefore, the apparatus and method for detecting aerosol permit the accurate detection of aerosol, while ignoring the stray contaminants that routinely cause false alarms in conventional aerosol detectors. In particular, an image of a light beam is sensed when aerosol is present, such that random contaminants that adhere to the walls of a detection chamber or that pass through the light beam do not affect the aerosol detection.

Abstract: A stabilizer comprises a body having first and second ends, each of which is formed with a respective connector means, the body having an outer wall upon which is formed a plurality of the upstanding blades radially outer surfaces of which define gauge pads, flow channels being defined between adjacent ones of the blades, and at least one bridging region interconnecting two adjacent ones of the blades to form an enclosed passage communicating with an associated one of the flow channels, the bridging region having a surface defining part of an outer gauge surface of the stabilizer, the at least one bridging region being located intermediate and spaced from the first and second ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a point of purchase dispensing device and a method of using the same. The point of purchase dispensing device includes a housing adapted to receive a container. A container containing a stock of a point of purchase product may be placed within the housing. The device further includes a dispenser for dispensing the product from the container. The housing may be adapted to receive a plurality a containers, each container containing a stock of a different point of purchase product. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense product from each of the plurality of containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of generating revenue with a dispensing device. The method includes in an embodiment providing a container containing a quantity of a dispensable product and placing the container into a dispensing device adapted to receive the container. The method includes charging a fee for placing the container into the dispensing device. The product is then dispensed from the dispensing device. The method may also include charging a fee for the container in addition to or in lieu of the fee charged for placing the container in the dispensing device.

Abstract: The present invention is a drag-type drill bit for drilling a borehole in the earth. The bit is designed to rotate about a central axis of rotation and has a bit body having a leading face, an end face, a gauge region, and a shank for connection to a drill string, a plurality of nozzles in the bit body for delivering drilling fluid to the end face, a plurality of blades upstanding from the leading face of the bit body and extending outwardly away from the central axis of rotation of the bit. Each blade terminates in a gauge pad with a surface which faces a wall of the borehole. A first plurality of cutters are mounted on the blades at the end face of the bit body and a second plurality of cutters are mounted the gauge pads and arranged such that in operation, they cut the wall of the borehole. Each one of the second plurality of cutters has a backrake less than or equal to about 20 degrees.

Abstract: A temperature compensated microwave filter has end caps and irises that each contain a projection that extends into a cavity to reduce the volume change of the cavity that would otherwise occur with changes in temperature due to an expansion or contraction of the side walls. The end caps and irises are formed from a single material. The material has a more positive coefficient of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the side walls of each cavity. While one material is used to make up each end cap or iris, it is not necessary that the same material be used for all of the end cap and iris components.

Abstract: Electrode apparatus which is used with stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or the like. Two or more tissue-engaging members are retractably mounted within the electrode apparatus. The tissue-engaging members are extended to engage body tissue and retracted while maintaining engagement with the body tissue, to thereby bring the body tissue into predetermined signal transfer contact with the conductive portion of the electrode body. Retraction or extension of the tissue-engaging member is accomplished with an elongate tool which is extendable through the hollow coil that attaches to the body of the electrode apparatus. A spring within the electrode body facilitates retraction of the tissue-engaging member.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting an electrode at an optimum location. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having two longitudinal shafts therein. A slot in the tip of the body temporarily secures the electrode to the tip. A probe in the second shaft may be extended from the tip and adjacent the electrode to thereby locate the optimum location for implantation of the electrode. The probe may thus be retracted within the second shaft for implanting of the electrode. After implantation of the electrode, a rod in the first shaft may then be extended into the slot to dislodge the electrode from the tip of the body.

Abstract: Electrode apparatus which is used with stimulation devices such as cardiac pacemakers or the like, and which has tissue-engaging members that are selectively retractable from tissue engagement without tearing or otherwise damaging the tissue. One or more tissue-engaging members is retractably mounted within the electrode body. Retraction or extension of the tissue-engaging member is accomplished with an elongated tool which is extendable through the hollow coil that attaches to the body of the electrode apparatus. In one embodiment of the electrode apparatus, the tissue-engaging members are non-rotatably extended and retracted from the apparatus, thereby further minimizing the possibility of damage to body tissue.

Abstract: A vehicular warning system designed for use in combination with a remote transmitter means to provide a positive warning signal when the relative distance therebetween reaches a predetermined minimum range. The vehicular warning system comprises a receiver means to receive incoming signals and decoder means to selectively filter preselected signals from the remote transmitter. The preselected signals are fed to a control means which generates a control signal when the preselected signals reach a predetermined threshold reference and a warning means actuated upon receipt of the control signals.