Abstract: A battery rack for containing batteries and methods of operation and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the battery rack includes: (1) a plurality of shelf support members, (2) first and second shelves, coupled to the shelf support members to receive support therefrom, the first and second shelves having corresponding first and second pluralities of divider apertures therethrough, the first plurality of divider apertures substantially vertically-aligned with the second plurality of divider apertures and (3) a plurality of divider rods passing through corresponding vertically-aligned ones of the first and second pluralities of divider apertures to form dividers to divide the battery rack into battery compartments, the plurality of divider rods having a diameter less than that of the first and second pluralities of divider apertures to allow the plurality of divider rods to rotate and thereby present a low frictional resistance to movement of batteries within the battery compartments.

Abstract: A preferably particle board box forms a base with a rectangular recess therein. A panel of slats that is formed of molded thermoplastic material has opposite edges attached to mating posts. The posts are formed from a common extruded thermoplastic tube and each have a longitudinally extending channel for receiving a panel edge which may be bonded thereto. An uppermost section is formed of like panel and post material as all of the section modules and is secured to the next lower intermediate section by post connectors comprising molded plastic U-shaped members which are locked to and protruding depending from the core of the upper section posts. The connectors mate in closely received releasable engagement with the open cores of the posts of the next lower section. The intermediate section module has depending connectors protruding from its posts for mating in the cores of the upper ends of the bottommost section module which is closely received in the support box recess and optionally screwed thereto.

Abstract: A specially configured insert used in a drawbar support housing. The insert is essentially a block member having at least a portion of an aperture extending therethrough from a front face to a back face. A concave draft load bearing surface is formed in the front face of the block member adjacent such aperture. A tapered surface area is formed adjacent such aperture which extends from the back face of the block member inwardly towards the concave draft load bearing surface to enable requisite movement of a shank portion of a drawbar.

Abstract: Tamper indicating closure and container assembly which prior opening of the assembly is indicated by exposing projections formed integrally with the closure with such projections remaining concealed in the originally closed position of the assembly. The tamper indicating features are associated with a pouring spout on a gable-top container.

Abstract: A connector assembly provided for efficient flow of liquid into and/or out of a vial, such as a vial containing a lyophilized drug. The connector assembly features a collar mountable to the rim of the vial in a locked position and thereafter removable by an end-user when disposal of the device is desired. A protective cap mountable over the collar includes an annulus-type ring at its proximal end which mounts over locking structure associated with the collar. The ring is secured to the protective cap via one or more user-severable connections. As the cap is urged proximally, the ring places the collar in the locked position with the vial rim, exerting an inwardly-directed force onto the locking structure to secure the collar to the vial rim. The cap can be separated from the ring at its user-severable connections, and the device used in its ordinary matter. When disposal is desired, the ring may be urged proximally out of engagement with the locking structure of the collar.

Abstract: A multiple door bulkhead which can be partially opened to accommodate a small discharge or completely opened to accommodate a wide discharge port. In addition, a single standard liner provides multiple discharge ports which can be selectively opened at the user's discretion. Alternative embodiments provide a single standard liner to which multiple liner discharge can be attached. A discharge port is also shown which can be attached directly to the bulkhead. Optional quick attachment methods are provided in which reusable discharge ports can be attached to the standard liner or the multiple door bulkhead. The end of the liner is opened for unloading by cutting the section of the end wall which is encircled by the desired port. The liner and ports are optionally provided in kit form with pre-attached tape on the liner and ports. The ports do not have to be attached to the liner until required.

Abstract: This invention concerns a collapsible container, whose outer profile is shaped to fit the walls of an aircraft luggage compartment, consisting of a rigid base frame supporting an accordion folding frame and whose sides are covered by sheet plate and sections of sturdy canvas.

Abstract: A modular cooler construction comprised of a series of various-sized containers interlocked together to provide versatility for various capacities of food storage as may be desired; axillary drawer structures are likewise supplied and interlocked with the primary containers to provide for meat and dry ice storage and the like.

Abstract: A system comprised of trays is disclosed for converting a bucket to an organized receptacle for storing, carrying and dispensing tools and small parts or objects. Each of the trays is configured substantially as a modified circle so that it can be stacked neatly within the bucket. Each tray has partitions which divide the tray into compartments. Each tray has a partially recessed handle in the center of each tray in a configuration enabling them to be grasped readily by the fingers of a user, even when the tray is filled. Each individual tray is thereby readily removable. The trays can be stacked so that they are either recessed within the tray laying beneath it or can rest on the top edge thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the trays are provided in variable vertical dimensions with at least two of the upper trays having a pie-shaped wedge removed therefrom thereby providing for the storage of vertically elongated articles therein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tamper resistant garbage or waste container having an exterior housing, an interior bin suitable for receiving waste or garbage, with the interior bin further being provided with a pair of pivoting shafts which extend from either side of the interior bin into the interor of the housing, allowing the entire bin to pivot forward when in use. An additional biasing mechanism is secured to the top of the housing which prevents the bin from pivoting forward when unauthorized access is being attempted. A bias spring is further provided which is attached between the backside of the bin and the interior backwall of the housing, allowing the bin to readily and firmly return to its upright position when not in use.

Abstract: A bulk container is provided with a detachable discharge coupling mounted to the container at a discharge port in a sump of the container. The discharge port is large enough to allow an operator to reach into the container to grasp a flexible liner that has been inserted into the container. The liner is equipped with a discharge fitment, which attaches to the discharge coupling. The apparatus of the present invention allows an operator to insert a flexible liner into a bulk container, attach said liner to the discharge coupling, and attach the discharge coupling to the container, without entering the container. Since the discharge coupling is inserted into the discharge port of the container from outside the container, it fits easily into the confines of a sump in the container.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a swing-away hitch for trailers, in particular the boat trailer market. Boat trailers are longer than the boats itself for towing purposes. When having to store the boat and trailer in a small space, the tongue with the hitch of the trailer becomes an obstacle. This invention allows a trailer to be parked in spaces that could only hold the size of the boat by swinging the hitch to the side. The design of this invention consists of sandwiching a tube (tongue of the trailer) between two plates with holes that align with tubular sleeves welded on opposite sides at the end of a hitch cover to convert it to a swing-away hitch. Pins are inserted to mount the swing-away hitch onto the swing-away hitch assembly. In a towing position, both pins stay in their sleeves. In a stowaway position, one pin is removed and the swing-away hitch swivels via the remaining pin away to the side of the trailer.

Abstract: A liquid stabilizing baffle system is described in which a plurality of elongated strips are provided, each being formed of a flexible spring material. Each strip includes longitudinal side edges joining opposed ends. At least one end hole is formed in each strip inwardly adjacent each end, and each strip is foldable into a loop configuration with ends overlapping. Fastener members are provided to be received through aligned end holes of the strips. A connector is provided on each strip, configured to enable a plurality of the strips to be linked in succession with the strips folded into loop configurations to form a strand.

Abstract: A spill-proof covered drinking container has an annular protruding drinking spout that provides a relatively large number of separate drinking ports around the spout circumference. An annular suction-responsive valve means is located within the drinking spout for controlling outflow of liquid through the drinking ports, such that liquid flow is confined to the port, or ports, in physical contact with the user's mouth. The user can drink from any point around the spout circumference.

Abstract: A self-sealing drinking container includes a cup body having a hollow interior for holding and dispensing a liquid, and a lid assembly which fits sealingly on the cup body. The lid assembly has an inlet passage with an inlet valve in communication therewith, and an outlet passage with an outlet valve in communication therewith, each of the valves including a resiliently flexible diaphragm member. In a preferred embodiment, each of the inlet and outlet valves includes a cage having an open top and an open bottom to allow fluid passage therethrough, the cage having a seat formed therein for receiving a diaphragm member. The diaphragm member is located seatably into the seat so as to selectively seal thereagainst and thereby prevent fluid flow therepast. A locator post in each cage centrally abuts the diaphragm member thereof to ensure its seating.

Abstract: A drinking device adapted for use by young children includes a cap adapted to sealingly cover a drinking cup. The cap has a spout and a mount, and a valve cartridge removably attached to the mount for controlling fluid flow through the spout. The valve cartridge is removable for easy cleaning or replacement, and includes a valve holder that manually, frictionally pressfits into a barrel-shaped mounting flange on the cap. The valve holder includes a grip to facilitate removal of the valve cartridge from the cap. A valve retainer snap-attaches to the valve holder to hold a silicon rubber valve in place on the valve holder. The valve includes a head section with slits that define cooperating valve fingers that cooperate to selectively allow fluid to flow out of the spout or to allow air to flow back into the cup, thus allowing the valve to operate as a single and only valve on the drinking cup.

Abstract: A dispenser for disc-shaped car-park tickets which makes it possible on a permanent basis for the car-park tickets provided for issuing to be made available reliably, as required, from a supply of car-park tickets, and which is of simple design. The dispenser separates car-park tickets coming from a supply container and moves them, in a pushed group, through a transporting duct which bridges a spatial distance between the supply container and the issuing apparatus. In addition to the spatial distance bridged, a vertical ascent is also surmounted, in order that the car-park tickets can be moved into the issuing apparatus and issued from the same under the action of gravity. Further configurations of the invention can be gathered from the claims and from the following description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant and a process for the dispensing of a fluid product (4) held in a tank (3) and supplied to a nozzle (1) via a pipe (2). The product is pressurized by means of a pump (8) and of a cylinder (7) which is connected to a regulator (10) connected to the nozzle via an electronic card (17).

Abstract: Rechargeable dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including at least one chemical reservoir for recharging the spray bottle dispenser. Preferably, a separate solvent reservoir and chemical concentrate reservoirs are provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a device for the emptying of a tube, comprising a base plate and a cover plate, joined by a hinge connection, so that when the tube is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate, with the tube seam line situated in the vicinity of the hinge, the folding of the cover plate onto the base plate drives the product toward the opening of the tube. According to the invention, the cover plate can comprise at least two segmented parts hingedly connected, in such a way as to make it possible to selectively bring all or part of the cover plate to bear on the base plate, thereby allowing the total or fractional emptying of the tube.

Abstract: A juice dispensing system which includes a first station and a second station is provided. The first station includes a housing and dispensing valve extending therefrom for dispensing juice product into a cup. The dispensing valve includes an inlet for receiving water and juice concentrate, mixes the water and the concentrate to form the product and then dispenses the juice products A first conduit extends through the housing to provide water to the inlet at the dispensing valve, while a second conduit provides juice concentrate to the inlet supply at the dispensing valve. The juice concentrate is stored in a juice concentrate reservoir at a second station, the second station being at a remote distance from the first station. A peristaltic pump is disposed within the second conduit for creating a suction which draws the juice concentrate from the juice concentrate reservoir and further meters the juice concentrate to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: Apparatus, adapted for use with commercial sales containers containing dry powdered or granular materials, for metered dispensing of portions of the container volume, while sealing the container between uses. A divider comprising multiple vanes is inserted into a container. The vanes run generally vertically and contact the bottom and inner wall of the container when in place, forming a plurality of compartments within the container. The upper edges of the vanes are substantially even with the top edge of the container. The divider is made of flexible, washable material. A lid having a circumferential distensible lip snaps atop the container, the lower surface of the lid contacting the upper edges of the vanes. The lid may be rotated while in place atop the container, and has an opening which may be aligned over one of the compartments formed by the divider. A generally funnel-shaped top attaches to the lid, with a sealing cap permitting sealed storage of the container between servings.

Abstract: A dispensing lid assembly which includes a rotatable spout for use with a container defining a container cavity. The container may be the type having deflectable sidewalls. The rotatable spout includes an arcuate ball portion and a nozzle portion. The arcuate rotator portion is retained on a base of the lid assembly to allow rotation thereof to align a through hole in the spout with a dispensing hole in the base. The arcuate rotator portion is configured to reduce the wear on a sealing gasket. A check valve assembly is attached to the base of the dispensing lid assembly. The check valve assembly includes a diaphragm which is pre-loaded within a valve chamber to provide a desired sealing effect between the diaphragm and the base portion. The check valve assembly is configured to pre-load forces on the diaphragm such that a desired inhaling force will unseat the diaphragm from the corresponding portion of the base to draw air therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing beverages from containers including a housing having an outer surface, canisters arranged in the housing for defining compartments in which beverages from the beverage containers are received, one in each compartment, spigots mounted on the outer surface of the housing and arranged in flow communication with the compartments for enabling individual dispensing of the beverages from the compartments, and a single thermoelectric unit for cooling or heating the beverages received in all of the compartments. The thermoelectric unit has a first conductor plate thermally coupled to the canisters, a second conductor plate spaced from the first conductor plate and thermally isolated from the canisters and at least one thermocouple arranged between the first and second conductor plates. Each thermocouple includes a pair of semi-conductor elements made from a semi-conductor material.

Abstract: A device for controllably dispensing a flowable food product from a squeezable container includes a blade elongated between a hollow base extremity and a distal extremity. The blade is bounded by opposed flat side surfaces and top and bottom edges. The bottom edge has an elongated slot opening. A channel communicates between the base and the elongated slot. A threaded bore in said base facilitates attachment to the exit opening of the container.

Abstract: A new Aerosol Cap With Dispensing Tube Support System for maintaining the position of a dispensing tube in relation to a spray nozzle of an aerosol can during use and storage. The inventive device includes a cylindrical cap having an arcuate cutout, a lid removably attached to the cap, an aperture projecting toward a longitudinal axis of the cap, and a dispensing tube having a cincture removably projecting through the aperture to engage a spray nozzle. The cylindrical cap removably secured to a rim of an aerosol can and around the spray nozzle. The arcuate cutout is for allowing easy access to the spray nozzle during utilization. The dispensing tube is snugly supported within the aperture projecting through the cap thereby reducing the chance of the dispensing tube becoming dislodged from the spray nozzle.

Abstract: An attachable shroud and a dispensing pump with universal pump body upon which is formed outward flanges on top of a pump outlet tube which includes a rearward latching section. A rearwardly extending horizontal shelf is formed on the vertical tubular support of the pump body. The shroud is open-fronted and includes a top wall, connected side walls and a rear end wall with an inward horizontal shoulder. Extending downward along the top wall of the shroud are a pair of opposed channels to the rear of which are unitary downward locking wedges. In assembly, the open-fronted shroud is moved forward onto the pump body in a simple uni-directional linear movement, the channels receiving the outward flanges respectively. The latching sections are flexed downward by the locking wedges and snap past the wedges and the shoulder as the shroud slides under the shelf.

Abstract: A two piece, molded plastic dispenser, that functions with a push-pull motion, comprising an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell comprises a top wall with an aperture defined at its center, and a skirt of generally cylindrical shape. A plug seal extends below the top wall, and annular groove and bead are formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the inner surface of the skirt and the underside of the top wall. The inner shell comprises a top wall, a tapered spud extending upwardly from the top wall, an annular barrier encircling the spud, and a depending skirt. Detents and arcuate wall segments extend, in interspersed fashion, about the perimeter of the upper shell, and cooperate with the bead on the outer shell. Vertical ribs on the inner surface of the outer shell cooperate with serrations on the exterior surface of the inner shell to guide the relative movement of the outer shell, in a vertical direction, while preventing relative rotation between the shells.

Abstract: An improved clamp-type garment hanger includes: a hook, a cross-bar, and at least two clamp assemblies for securing a garment to the garment hanger. Each clamp assembly includes a pair of clamping member, at least one clamping member having an inner clamping surface defined at least in part by at least one gripping pad. A first side of the gripping pad is carried by an inner clamping surface of the one clamping member, and a second side of the gripping pad is presented for contact with a garment to be hung from the garment hanger. The second side is fabricated from gripping friction material, the coefficient of friction thereof being sufficiently high to preclude movement under the weight of the garment when a normal clamping force is applied to two clamping members to move them into clamping position. The gripping pad is secured to, but preferably manually releasable from, the one clamping member for movement as a unit into and from the clamping position.

Abstract: A carrying attachment includes a clamping member and a retaining member. The clamping member includes a lug portion with a flat major surface, and left and right jaw arms which extend from the first lug portion and which are of a dimension sufficient for flexing toward each other. Each of the jaw arms includes a clamping segment that defines an inner clamping wall transverse to the flat major surface, and a first outer wall. The inner clamping walls of the clamping segments of the jaw arms are shaped so as to clamp a constricted part of a container therebetween. A hook end portion extends from the clamping segment and defines an inner wall and a second outer wall which are transverse to the flat major surface and which form deflection junctures with the inner clamping wall and the first outer wall. The hook end portion has a snapping protrusion that extends from the second outer wall in a direction opposite to the inner wall.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is disclosed for use during recreational activities. The beverage dispensing system includes a container and a holding element which is used to retain the container and secure it to the person. The beverage container is made of a lightweight, squeezable, durable material having either a spray, nozzle, tubestraw, pump, or poppet valve. The beverage dispensing system may include fasteners useful in securing the container to the holding element. The holding element can be made of a durable, lightweight material and includes a pocket or functionally similar attachment dimensioned and configured to receive the container. In practice, the user secures the holding element onto the appropriate body part (e.g. forearm) and then places the container, filled with an appropriate quantity of a beverage, into the pocket. The container is now within easy reach of the user, and outdoor exercises may be easily performed.

Abstract: A utility bag has an elongate flexible sleeve having an upper end and a lower end and front and back sides extending between the upper and lower ends, the upper end having a first aperture therein for access to a first cavity defined by the front and back sides and the lower end whereby articles may be placed through the first aperture into and removed from the first cavity, a flexible releasably securable flap provided at the first end of the sleeve for releasable closure of the first aperture.

Abstract: A belt mounted hat clip is provided including a rear portion having belt coupling mechanism for being removably mounted to a belt. A front portion is included having a rest orientation for gripping a visor of a hat and a biased orientation for allowing the hat to be removed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bag system having a pair of pouch-type bags releasably attached to a resilient, reversible pad with a central opening for stretching over a raised post of a support structure.

Abstract: An internal frame backpack (10) includes a pack (12) having an anterior side (14) that contacts a user's back, and left and right shoulder straps (10, 18) attached at an upper end to an upper portion (20) of the pack and at a lower end to left and right lower portions (44, 46) of the pack. The pack includes an internal frame formed from an elastomeric pad (24) integrated into the anterior side of the pack, and resilient left and right rods (26, 28) mounted within the pack and secured to the elastomeric pad. The resilient rods act as coil springs which support loads in the pack with a degree of flexibility that varies in response to the magnitude of the load.

Abstract: A detector unit (30) for use in a wire handling machine (10) includes an encoder (38) for monitoring movement of the wire (26) along a wire feed path (28) and for detecting the presence of a splice (130) and the end of the wire (26) as it is being fed. The shaft (58) of the encoder is electrically interconnected to the frame (12) of the machine by means of a brush (66) and leaf spring (68) and includes an enlarged diameter (62) for engaging and being driven by the wire being fed. A presser member (84), which is electrically isolated from the frame (12), is arranged to urge the wire against the enlarged diameter (62) so that when a the wire is fed it causes the shaft (58) of the encoder to rotate proportionately. When the controller unit (126) detects wire movement that is substantially different from that expected, the machine is stopped and an appropriate message is displayed.

Abstract: A clip driver for driving clips each having a back portion, and abutment portions so that the frontmost clip can hold sheets of paper between the opposite ends of the abutment portions, comprising: a driver body for accommodating a plurality of the clips, the driver body including a paper insertion inlet formed at a front end for inserting the sheet-like members to be clipped, a clip insertion hole formed at a rear end for inserting the clips one by one, and a clip path formed to extend from the paper insertion inlet to the clip insertion inlet; a pair of clip opening springs disposed on the driver body near the paper insertion inlet for opening a nip between the abutment portions of the clip in the opposite directions; a slide is disposed in the driver body on the front end side so as to be movable in a front/rear direction for feeding a frontmost one of the clips in the clip path toward the paper insertion inlet over the clip opening springs by a front end of the slide; a handle one end of which is pivotall

Abstract: A novel low mass transducer for bonding machines comprises a transducer generator which mounts on or is coupled to a bonding tool of the type used for ball bonding, wedge bonding and TAB bonding. The preferred embodiment transducer comprises a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric element which mount on the outside surface of the bonding tools used in a bonding operation, thus eliminating convention transducers which also serve as a bonding tool holder. The present invention bonding tool serves as the base or mount for a transducer made in the form of a sleeve or tube which mounts on or couples to the bonding tool. The novel transducer/bonding tool or transducers also serve as a sensor which can monitor the quality of a bond while it is being made.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of supporting lead fingers during a wire bonding process and of preventing the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die are available. The present invention includes the use of a movable arm with a portion that is positionable under a portion of the lead fingers of a lead frame during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the lead fingers and prevent the bonding apparatus and clamping assembly from applying force against the die. The present invention also provides for the transfer of heat from the heat block directly to the lead fingers during the wire bonding process. The present invention includes the use of a clamp for stabilizing lead fingers during the wire bonding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously feeding the wire to a wire cutting apparatus. The present invention provides a pair of mandrels provided in an in-line configuration and provided on a turntable. An active coil is loaded onto one of the mandrels while a idle coil is loaded onto the other mandrel. As the wire is being pulled to the wire cutting apparatus from the active coil the tail end of the active coil is bent into abutting relationship with the lead end of the idle coil and welded together. As a result, when the active coil is exhausted, the pulling force of the cutting machine enables the carousel to rotate so that the idle coil assumes the active position and the new coil can be loaded onto the now idle coil for a continuous feed of wire to the wire cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A soldering/desoldering apparatus has a handpiece with a handgrip portion from which a hot air tube extends, a vacuum pickup tube which extends through the handgrip portion and hot air tube, one end of which has a suction cup mounted thereon and an opposite end of which is connected to a flexible vacuum line. Furthermore, an adjustment knob for axially shifting the vacuum pickup tube is provided on the handgrip portion and the vacuum pickup tube is resiliently displaceably supported relative to a displacement mechanism formed by a slide rod fixed to an inner wall of the handgrip portion and a rack member slidably disposed on the slide rod and geared to the adjustment knob. The pickup tube is fixed to a slide bracket which is slidably disposed on the slide rod between the ends of the rack member and between a pair of coil springs which act to position the slide bracket in a neutral position between the ends of the rack member. Additionally, nozzles having a fixed vacuum pickup extension can be used.

Abstract: A system and a method for mailing a mailpiece requiring special service delivery is provided as well as a mailpiece that requires delivery by a special service. The assembled mailpiece includes a return postcard and a return envelope independently detachable from a remainder of the mailpiece. The mailpiece may be printed with information to be sent to an addressee by a sender. The sender may receive a return postcard verifying delivery of the mailpiece, and the sender, or another individual, may also receive a remittance in the return envelope also independently detachable from the assembled mailpiece. The assembled mailpiece is formed from a single sheet that may be printed with variable information on both sides of the sheet. The information may relate to the mail handling or to other information to be sent to the individual. The assembly is particularly suitable for special service delivery of mail including return remittance of payment or the like.

Abstract: The tray of the carton is divided into larger and smaller compartments by a transverse intermediate wall. The tray outer end wall at the smaller compartment is integrally formed with a lid panel folded to overlie the smaller compartment and extend laterally outward of opposed side walls of the tray. The intermediate wall is integral with and depends from the lid panel. A cover, with depending side walls, is integrally hinged to the second end wall of the tray with the cover side walls including forwardly extending lugs engagable with and beneath the transversely extending portions of the lid panel to releasably lock the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A carton (C) has a bottom wall (10) having corners (11) and upright side walls (12, 14) and end walls (16, 18) adjoining the bottom wall. The intersection of the end and side walls having a first triangular-shaped gusset (30) defined by a first pair of fold lines (40, 42) divergingly extending toward the corner of the bottom wall and a second triangular-shaped gusset defined by a second pair of fold lines (44, 46) disposed above the first pair of fold lines divergingly extending away from the first triangular-shaped gusset.

Abstract: A packaging system (10) in which a lid portion (30) is secured to a base portion (20) by means of adhesive along two opposite sidewalls (24, 25). The system (10) includes a tear strip opening device (40) which provides access to the contents thereof. Structure (60, 66) is provided in each of the opposite sidewalls (24, 25) above the position of the opening device (40) which allows the lid portion (30) to be pressed onto the base portion (20) without detaching the lid portion (30) and base portion (20), the structure (66) in sidewall (25) also forms a hinge about which the lid portion (30) can be rotated once the opening device (40) has been operated.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, when a bi-level mode or a foot/defroster mode is set, a stop position of a second mode selecting door is shifted relative to a stop position of a first mode selecting door so that a pressure loss in a second air passage corresponds to a pressure loss in a first air passage. Therefore, in each air outlet mode, a ratio between an amount of air blown from the first air passage toward a driver's seat side in a passenger compartment and an amount of air blown from the second air passage toward a front passenger's seat side next to the driver's seat in the passenger compartment can be set at a predetermined value. Thus, air-conditioning feeling for a driver or a passenger in the passenger compartment can be improved while reducing production cost of the air conditioning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally self-regulating nozzle for a snowmaking machine. The invention also relates to a system including the nozzle and method of snowmaking using the nozzle. The nozzle includes an outer housing made of a first material and a thermally separated inner housing, and a nozzle assembly attached to the outer housing by a member made of a second material having a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than the first material. The size of the nozzle outlet being dependent upon the expansion/contraction of the outer housing to accommodate more efficient snowmaking over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: A fuel injector employs at least one sensing device for sensing changes in the thermodynamic properties of the fuel within the injector to thereby monitor injector performance during usage. In some embodiments, advantageously placed temperature sensors are employed to detect the release of thermal energy which occurs when the potential energy of a fuel at high-pressure is suddenly converted into kinetic energy by lowering the pressure of the fuel. Other embodiments of the instant invention employ advantageously placed pressure sensors to detect sudden changes in fuel pressure which occur during the course of the injection cycle. Whereas the sensing devices of the instant invention can be placed at a variety of locations, they are preferably placed to detect changes in the thermodynamic properties of the fuel flowing within an injector where such changes are appreciably large during injector usage.

Abstract: An elongated pipe tower extends upwardly at an acute angle from vertical with snow making nozzles in an upper end portion of the tower. Supply connections are provided at the lower end of the tower for connection to remote sources of air under pressure for supplying air and water under pressure to the nozzles for discharge into ambient atmosphere for manufacturing snow in sub-freezing conditions. The upper end portion of the tower protrudes upwardly at an angle from the tower and the nozzles are positioned on the outer side of the tower upper end portion facing outwardly away from the tower and the tower base. The nozzles are positioned such that the combined resultant thrust of the suspended weight of the tower itself and the thrust of discharged air and water under pressure through the nozzles is caused to be in substantial alignment with the tower, thereby preventing application of undue stress on the tower and permitting the use of a lightweight pipe tower.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluids with suspended solid particulates without experiencing permanent partial or total clogging is provided. The nozzle is made from a elastomeric material and has a dome-shaped tip. The dome-shaped tip has a slit that provides an elongated orifice which generates a fan-type spray pattern while allowing solid particulates to pass through the nozzle without permanent clogging. The slit is normally maintained closed at rest and provides precompression and shut-off functions. Several versions of the nozzle are described, such as a one-piece nozzle and a nozzle insert. Additionally, the nozzle can be attached to a manually actuated pump device and be used as a spray delivery system.