Abstract: A marking system includes a valve body including an orifice plate including multiple orifices and multiple micro-valves. Each micro-valve includes an actuating beam movable from a closed position in which a corresponding one of the orifices is sealed by a portion of the actuating beam such that the micro-valve is closed, into a peak position in response to application of a control signal. A controller is configured to generate a control signal for each of the actuating beams, each control signal including a drive pulse having a predetermined voltage such that the actuating beam moves from the closed position into the peak position in which the corresponding orifice is open and returns to the closed position in a characteristic period, wherein the drive pulse has a duration that substantially corresponds to the characteristic period such that the actuating beam is in the closed position after the drive pulse is complete.

Abstract: A micro-valve includes an orifice plate having a first surface, a second surface and an orifice extending from the first surface to the second surface. An actuating beam is disposed in spaced relation to the orifice plate. The actuating beam includes a base portion and a cantilevered portion. The base portion is separated from the orifice plate by a predetermined distance. The cantilevered portion extends from the base portion such that an overlapping portion thereof overlaps the orifice. The actuating beam is movable between a closed position and an open position. The micro-valve also includes a sealing structure including a sealing member disposed at the overlapping portion of the cantilevered portion. When the actuating beam is in the closed position, the cantilevered portion is positioned such that the sealing structure seals the orifice so as to close the micro-valve.

Abstract: A tool for forming stuffed patties includes a base defining a cavity, a lid coupled to the base, and a stamp coupled to the lid. The lid is movable relative to the base between a closed position in which the cavity is substantially closed, and an open position in which the cavity is substantially open. The stamp is movable relative to the lid when the lid is in the closed position to reduce a volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A bird house is formed of flexible material forming a collapsible shell. A closeable opening allows access to the inside of the shell. The closable opening may be the floor, a side, or the top of the shell, and can be closed by a zipper or other type of closure device, such as hook and loop fastener material. The bird house is shaped by shaping pieces, such as flat shape retaining pieces, held in or by the collapsible shell or by a shaping frame that fits into the collapsible shell. An entrance opening provides access to the bird house by birds. The size of the access opening may be selected by the user.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible pet house includes a lower frame which supports a raised pet supporting floor and an upper frame cooperable with the lower frame and removable with respect thereto which supports a cover forming the roof and walls over the floor of the pet house. The lower frame and pet supporting floor can be used alone as a pet cot. The pet supporting floor is preferably made of a mesh material to promote air circulation around an animal resting on the floor and a vent in the roof and an entrance to the house promote air circulation through the house. The frames are advantageously made of PVC piping and connectors for the piping so can be easily assembled and disassembled so the house can be easily transported and stored and the floor and cover easily cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: The present invention is an AC voltage regulator which includes a feed-forward circuit and a differential amplifier which continuously and instantaneously compares the incoming AC voltage to a locally generated, amplitude-stabilized wave form. The local wave form is generated substantially frequency and phase synchronized to the incoming voltage. The output of the differential amplifier drives a power amplifier. The power amplifier output is arranged to continuously buck or boost the incoming AC voltage, depending on the polarity (phase) of the signal from the differential amplifier. The system corrects even subcycle disturbances in the incoming wave form. The present invention is also a method for regulating AC voltage.