Abstract: Unit cranes consist of three hinged arms (13-15), the middle arm (14) being in the form of a polygon comprising a number of units jointed together, the flexibility of the units being arranged by influencing the units internally. The object of the invention is to achieve improved traction curves and speed curves, and this is effected by influencing the movement of the units from the outside by means of a hydraulic mechanism (38).

Abstract: A plastic cap of this invention is opened by tearing-off and is comprising a top plate provided with a sealing portion to be engaged with the mouth of a container, a skirt extending perpendicularly from the top plate, and a tear-off portion arranged around the skirt and defining an upper closure portion for resealing and a lower opening band, wherein in the inner surface of the skirt, at an upper position than the tear-off portion, a diametrically inwardly-directed protrusion which is engaged with a jaw of the container is formed peripherally intermittently, simultaneously, at a lower position than the tear-off portion, a flap piece whose tip portion is engaged with the jaw of the bottle is formed peripherally intermittently, and the engaged protrusion and the flap piece are formed at least alternately in most of the peripheral direction.

Abstract: A cap and container assembly can be opened and closed repeatedly and continue to achieve a good seal between the cap and the container. The good seal results from the engagement, of the container neck with cap protrusions, which temporarily deforms the shape of the container and/or the cap as the cap is secured to the container.

Abstract: A package for flowable media and a snap lid which package and snap lid are both made from thermoplastic material, in which a collar-shaped head of the package surrounds a pouring aperture of the package, which collar-shaped head has a retaining ring on its outside, an inside annular surface, and an upper end having an edge with a snap catch, which upper end can be closed using the snap lid. The snap lid has a closing wall from which an annular sealing lip projects towards an inside of the package, and can be brought into contact with an inside surface of the edge in sealing engagement. The closing wall is provided with an outside catch for snap engagement with a snap catch of the edge of the head. The head of the package widens outwards and upwards at its edge, and both the inner surface of this edge and an outer surface of the sealing lip on the snap lid are curved convexly relative to each other. The invention also includes preforms for making the package of the invention.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) is disclosed as including a freestanding base structure (20) that is constructed with a plurality of alternating hollow legs 22 and curved ribs (34), and a hub (41) from which the legs and ribs extend radially with a construction that provides good stability against tipping as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure. Each rib (34) has an outer upper end (36) with a circumferential width Wu and an inner lower end (38) with a circumferential width Wl that is greater than the circumferential width Wu of the upper rib end so the lower rib end is capable of resisting stress cracking. An intermediate rib portion (40) of a curved shape tapers between the ends with an included angle B in the range of about 1° to 8° and preferably about 2°.

Abstract: An enclosure for containment of chemical distribution lines and methods for installation and modification of devices installed along such chemical distribution lines are provided. The enclosure contains two or more separable portions. Openings within the enclosure through which the chemical distribution lines or conduits extend are formed along a boundary between two separable portions. Devices, such as valves, regulators, gauges and filters may be installed along a conduit before the enclosure is formed around the portion of the conduit containing the installed devices. The enclosure may therefore be made smaller, because excess working room within the enclosure is not needed. Installed devices may be modified by removing portions of the enclosure to expose the relevant devices. The conduit portion containing the devices may be removed for device modification, before re-assembly of the enclosure around the conduit portion.

Abstract: A pressure and/or vacuum relief valve (11) for fitting in a cap assembly (4) for an automotive tank filler neck (1), with a substantially cylindrical valve housing (12), in which a valve spindle (23) controlling a first valve gap (26, 27) is mounted axially movably, on which, if necessary, a sleeve (29) controlling a second valve gap (27, 30) is guided axially movably, wherein the valve spindle (23) passes through a central aperture (24) in the upper end and a central aperture (25) in the lower end of the valve housing (12) and is axially guided by those apertures (24, 25).

Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto a drinking cup is provided, having a tear tab which is generally aligned with the orientation of the extruded plastic sheet material from which the cup lid is made. There is a first, generally centrally located region in the lid, which has a higher elevation than the cup rim receiving recess at the periphery of the lid; and there is an indentation formed in the central region which is provided so as to accommodate the tear tab when it is folded back around a U-shaped hinge to create a drink-through opening in the cup lid. The indentation has a pair of detents located at its edges so as to hold and retain the tear tab in place when the foldback flap is folded back about the U-shaped hinge and the tear tab is inserted into the indentation. The tear tab is retained below the plane of the central region of the cup lid.

Abstract: A stay-on-tab container end having a panel wall with a tab attached by a rivet and having a tear panel. The tear panel being defined by a frangible score with a first end and a second end and a non-frangible hinge segment. A second groove is formed in the panel wall with a tail portion extending from the tear panel through the hinge segment. The second groove tail portion has a reduced residual differential compared to the frangible score residual. Also, the tail portion includes a curved terminal end that partially surrounds the second end of the score.

Abstract: The proposed invention comprises a highly elastic sealing cover for covering food containers or dishes. It is capable of replacing existing rigid covers or plastic wrap/aluminum foil. The elastic nature and design of the proposed invention allow it to provide a more air-tight seal than plastic wraps or aluminum foil on a wide range of sizes and shapes of dishes or other food storage items. It can also conform to objects bulging out of containers (i.e., a head of lettuce).

Abstract: An interchangeable liner for a paint container constitutes a semi-rigid unitary liner having a mouth, a basin portion proportioned for conformal engagement with a solid segment of an interior volume of the container. The liner also includes a circular top, including an outer attachment ring defining a lip proportioned for snap-fittable securement onto a circumferential lip of said paint container, with such liner, one type of paint may be held in it, while a second paint or painter's liquid is held within the paint container proper.

Abstract: A lid and clip combination for a child's drinking cup wherein the lid is permanently attached to a clip or conversely, the lid and clip are molded together to form a unitary construction. The lid is designed to secure to the top part of a cup which is designed to hold liquid. The cup, and therefore the lid, is of a size and shape suitable for small children. The lid comes in various sizes all of which are designed with the express purpose of securing the various lids to cups especially designed for children. The clip also comes in various shapes and designs and is made of a flexible material such as a flexible plastic and serves the same purpose as a clip for a pager or cell phone. The bottom part of the clip is rounded to prevent puncture either to the child's clothing or skin. The lid has a specialized drinking spout which is raised above the generally horizontal surface of the lid. The raised drinking spout has drinking holes therein which provide a way to extract the liquid from the cup.

Abstract: This invention is a handle for liquid food cartons. It can be used without regard to the carton opening by separating the top portion thereof or has a spout with a screw cap. The carton handle includes a bail that slides down over the carton and is then tightened down with the flip of a toggle by the thumb of the user. There is a safety stop that prevents the toggle from inadvertently being released. When it is desired to have the bail released or loosened around the carton, the toggle is flipped toward the carton and the bail simply slidingly removed therefrom.

Abstract: A releasable handle for use on container, particularly cookware. The releasable handle includes at least one opening formed therein and arranged to releasably receive a side handle of a piece of cookware.

Abstract: A device for dispensing single components, in particular rivets of different shapes and sizes, wherein the rivets are conveyed to a riveting station one by one in a given direction along a path; the rivets are moved along and within an elastic sheath (11) by a pressure source (P); the device also includes a device for storing the components and includes a holder (24) for feeding the components one by one to the elastic sheath (11); the device provides for the uniform and steady feeding of rivets to riveting machines such as are used in the aircraft industry.

Abstract: The present dual chamber sachet overcomes the problem of non-uniform dispensing when the sidewalls of the sachet are depressed. Through the use of a relatively thin intermediate divider wall, rounded corner edges at the lower end of each chamber of the sachet, tapered side edges up to the exit channel of each chamber of the sachet, and a relatively wide dispensing opening uniform dispensing can be achieved. This structure prevents the downward flow of substances in each chamber during dispensing. The substances are directed upwardly by the rounded lower corners of the sachet, the tapered upper walls and the wide dispensing opening. This relatively wide dispensing opening minimizes the back pressure caused by the substances flowing to a dispensing exit of a width less than that of the product chambers.

Abstract: A condiment pumping system for dispensing food products from a dispensing chamber by the operation of a piston assembly which during the dispensing action the dispensing chamber is refilled and during the return stroke of the piston assembly the food product is transferred to the driving side of the piston assembly to facilitate a subsequent dispensing action.

Abstract: A dispenser for manually dispensing pasty, semi-fluid products, from a cartridge, that must be applied with control and accuracy, incorporates an integral trigger and pawl plunger drive mechanism, in which the drive is activated by a trigger or actuator. A floating gripper is disposed on the plunger to release dispensing pressure in the cartridge to prevent drooling after the completion of dispensation.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing packages which clearly communicates the function of upright dispensing and encourages a proper usage angle to insure substantial product evacuation from the package while functionally minimizing the risk of product being dispensed onto the side of the package is provided. The nozzle has a dispensing straw which is hinged at the underneath side of a shroud. The dispensing straw and shroud may be constructed as a single part.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a self-contained hose and valve assembly for installation on a pressurized canister. In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible hose is wrapped around a valve and is removably attached to a base supporting the valve. The hose and valve are housed within a cover that is removably secured to the base to form a self-contained unit. In an additional embodiment of the invention, the self-contained hose and valve assembly does not contain a cover and the hose is instead attached to the valve or the base by an adhesive or a mechanical fastener, such as a shrink sleeve to form the self-contained unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for controlling the flow dispersion of a molten metal, in particular steel, which is conveyed from a melt container via a first immersion outlet part which has a polygonal, oval or circular cross-section, and an intermediate member through the second immersion outlet part which has an elongate cross-section, and flows into a stationary mold to produce slabs. The process is characterized by the following steps: (a) the central volume flow is reduced in the intake region of the second outlet part; (b) at the same time the angle of expansion (&dgr;) of the fluid jet is increased to such an extent that the return flow in the lateral region of the intermediate member and the second immersion outlet part is substantially stopped; and (c) when the melt leaves the second immersion outlet part, it flows at a velocity profile with velocity vectors which are smaller in the opening center than the regions of the small faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fluid includes a dispensing chamber coupled to a dispensing orifice and a fluid reservoir. The dispensing chamber is coupled to a transducer which is adapted to change the volume of the dispensing chamber in response to a signal applied to the transducer. The signal is characterized by 1) an initial rise time RT1 during which an increasing amplitude signal is applied to the transducer to gradually expand the dispensing chamber from a first volume at a first amplitude to a second volume at a second amplitude; 2) a fall time FT during which a decreasing amplitude signal is applied to the transducer to contract or compress the dispensing chamber rapidly (relative to the initial rise time RT1) to a third volume at third amplitude; 3) a final rise time RT2 during which an increasing amplitude signal is applied to the transducer to gradually expand the dispensing chamber to a fourth volume at a fourth amplitude.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pouring spout for the transfer of a molten metal from a tundish into a continuous-casting mold. The pouring spout includes a body comprising a tubular part defining an essentially vertical pouring channel and an essentially horizontal part defining a distribution channel. The tubular and horizontal parts are assembled together, notably by screwing. The vertical pouring channel has an upper end adapted to connect with a tundish and a lower end emptying into the distribution channel. The distribution channel includes at least two outlets adapted to distribute molten metal into the mold. An obstacle is located between the two channels and together with the lower part of the tubular part retains the molten metal in the pouring channel until transfer to the distribution channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing grout into joints formed between laterally adjacent floor tiles comprises a hopper for holding a quantity of grout mounted on a mobile frame assembly. The apparatus includes a plurality of nozzle assemblies coupled to the hopper through tubular channels. The nozzle assemblies are slidably coupled to a mounting bracket which extends parallel to the front of the frame assembly such that the lateral distance between the nozzle assemblies is adjustable to correspond to the lateral distance between the joints formed by various sizes of floor tiles. A rack and pinion assembly is connected to the mounting bracket such that the vertical distance between the nozzle assemblies and the floor tiles is also adjustable.

Abstract: A bow assembly and method of making for providing a simple yet elegant decoration. The bow assembly and method of making includes a plurality of ribbon pieces each having a unique length and a pair of coupling members.

Abstract: A garment hanger having a releasable size indicator. The garment hanger including a hook for suspending the hanger on a support and a body connected to the hook; the hanger having at least one web for removably securing a size indicator to the hanger, the web having a fixed latch and a pivoting latch; and a size indicator having at least one engagement abutment and fingers for engaging the fixed and pivoting latches such that the size indicator is secured on the web during normal use, but wherein the size indicator may be released from the web when the pivoting latch is pivoted out of engagement with the fingers of the size indicator.

Abstract: This invention is directed to garment hangers which are particularly adapted for use with clothes having small neck openings and wherein the hook engages a swivel connector of the hanger adjacent the midsection of the hanger.

Abstract: An garment supporting apparatus (100) is disclosed having a stationary horizontal supporting bar (111); a movable supporting bar (121); a mounting mechanism (112, 122) enables the movable bar to rotate freely relative to the stationary supporting bar at one of the terminal ends and a engaging mechanism (126, 114) having a step shape (113, 114) enabling the other terminal end of the movable supporting bar to engage or release from the other terminal end of the stationary supporting bar.

Abstract: A weapon sling includes a cross body loop with a length adjustment and lower sling attachment for the rear end of a weapon. The length of the loop can be adjusted to conform to individual body sizes. The upper end of the loop has a clasp and an extension strap affixed thereto. The opposite end of the strap has a mating clasp for the clasp on the loop and an upper attachment for attaching to the front end of a weapon.

Abstract: A simple holder is provided for holding a desired small article to an article of clothing. The holder is provided by the operational combination of a base member of a selected appearance, the base including a magnetizable area thereon. Holding means are secured to the base member for holding a desired small article thereto or therein. The holder is in cooperative combination with a permanent magnet. The base member may be secured to the front of an article of clothing by means of magnetic attraction between the magnetizable area adjacent the front of the clothing and the permanent magnet at a corresponding area at the back of the article of clothing. The selected small article can then be held by the holding means.

Abstract: A suit hanger is adapted for use in an interior of a car which is provided with a seat member and a headrest member that has a pair of downwardly extending vertical mounting rods for mounting on top of the seat member. The suit hanger includes a main body and a pair of connecting members. The main body has an upwardly curving upper bar with two opposite ends, a pair of lower bars disposed below the upper bar, and a pair of vertical bars. Each of the lower bars has an outer end connected to a respective one of the opposite ends of the upper bar, and an inner end that extends from the outer end in a direction toward the other one of the lower bars. Each of the vertical bars has an upper end portion connected to the inner end of a respective one of the lower bars, and a lower end portion.

Abstract: A roof rack includes longitudinal members mounted on longitudinal sides of a roof of a vehicle body and is disposed in receiving devices such that the longitudinal members can be moved from a lowered position into an operative position and vice versa. End pieces of the longitudinal members, which rest in spaced receiving devices of the roof, are swivelled, for setting the operative position or the lowered position, outside the receiving devices and about an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end pieces are then inserted again in the receiving devices. Each of the end pieces is releasably connected with a respective longitudinal member.

Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo holder includes an arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch on a vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are connected to the back of the arm. The top of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo holder is removably carried on a support bar at the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. The arm is articulated for retracting the cargo holder to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the cargo holder to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle. The cargo holder includes retractable legs with wheels. In another embodiment, the cargo holder is supported on a foldable platform attached to the top of the jack. In another embodiment, the jack is comprised of a screw jack connected to a rear end of a hinged arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch.

Abstract: A method for forming and bonding a metal bump on a metal pad of an integrated circuit and successively stamping a vertex of the bonded metal bump is performed using the same capillary tool. The dielectric and refractory tip of the capillary tool ends with a flat surface forming a sharp edge adjacent a concave mouth formed therein. A preformed metal ball held in the concave mouth is bonded to the metal pad of the integrated circuit. The method further includes the step of retracting the capillary tool from the bonded metal bump while allowing free movement of the capillary tool relative to the metal wire passing through an axial conduit of the capillary tool. Relative movement of the metal wire is blocked by clamping the metal wire as soon as the capillary tool is pulled off the bonded metal bump. The capillary tool is then laterally shifted for breaking off the metal wire.

Abstract: A vacuum-tight cable feedthrough device includes a metallic first flange that is penetrated by a slot. Passing through the slot is a flat stripline cable that includes a plurality of conductive signal channels encompassed by a dielectric material on whose upper and lower surfaces is disposed a conductive material includes a ground. The stripline cable is sealed within the slot to provide a substantially vacuum-tight seal between the cable and the first flange. In a preferred embodiment, the cable feedthrough device includes a plurality, at least 16, of stripline cables. In a further preferred embodiment, the device includes a second flange and a bellows sealably connecting the first and second flanges, thereby providing a substantially vacuum-tight, flexible housing for the plurality of cables.

Abstract: A handle structure for a carton is formed within a panel having a opposing side edges and opposing end edges that intersect to form corners of the handle panel, the handle structure. A strap member is integrally conjoined with the handle panel and extends between the end edges. Opposing strap edges are substantially disjoined from the handle panel. The strap member includes a substantially centrally disposed region wherein opposing central strap edge segments of the opposing strap edges are substantially parallel to and mediate the opposing side edges.

Abstract: A heat-insulating container comprises a paper cup body having an inner surface, an upper open end, a shell member and a bottom, the inner surface being coated with polyolefine resin, the upper open end having an outward curled portion and the shell member having a side wall on which at least one rib is formed; and a tubular member being formed of paper and having an inverse truncated conical shape, the tubular member having at a lower end thereof an inward curled portion. The tubular member is combined with an outer periphery of the paper cup body so as to come into contact with the paper cup body in contact portions provided on the at least one rib of the paper cup body and on an outer periphery of an lower end of the side wall of the shell member.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving tokens and dispensing cash. A recognition device recognizes a denomination of a token and a source of a token, wherein the token is not government-issued legal tender. A controller device is coupled to the recognition device. The controller device comprises a calculating device that calculates the monetary value of the token. A dispensing device is coupled to the recognition device. The dispensing device dispenses cash equal in value to the monetary value of the token.

Abstract: An improved promotional financial transaction machine method which includes the steps of determining whether a patron's transaction at the financial transaction machine qualifies for a promotional offer; performing transaction-specific promotional processing if the patron's transaction qualifies for a promotional offer; selectively printing a promotional receipt from the financial transaction machine by a variable print-on-demand process if the patron's transaction qualifies for a promotional offer, wherein the promotional receipt includes a patron-interactive promotional section; and providing the promotional receipt to the patron.

Abstract: A method for tracking a target having substantially constrained movement utilizes the steps of determining constrains for movement of the target, obtaining information on movement of the target, and predicting that the target will continue to move upon a route segment after the target has begun to move thereupon. The constraints are made up of a plurality of separate alternate route segments. Predicting that the target will continue to move upon the route segment upon which it is previously moving facilitates targeting, intercept and intelligence with a substantial degree of reliability, particularly when continuing information, such as radar returns, is not available.

Abstract: An optical detector optically senses a bar code. A multi-bit analog-to-digital converter is responsive to the optical detector to generate a plurality of digital sample values based on the bar code. A bar code detector processes the plurality of digital sample values to generate a plurality of processed values. The bar code detector detects an edge of a bar within the bar code based upon a first local optimum and a second local optimum of the plurality of processed values.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for converting product-specific identification numbers associated with bar code indicia on pharmaceutical products to an industry standard identification number. The process involves reading a bar code indicia, converting the indicia into an input string and standardizing the input string by means of adding or subtracting characters in accordance with rules based on the bar code type and length of the input string. By means of the invention pharmaceutical products of two different sources may be compared to determine if they contain the same drug as determined by the standard identification number. The device can include a removable member for interchanging and updating bar code indicia information rather than reprogramming the device.

Abstract: A method for coding mailing items, in which a determination of the surface available for applying an unambiguous code to arriving mailing items is conducted and an application of the unambiguous code with a number of code signs that is adapted to the respectively determined surface available for coding is performed.

Abstract: A barcode scan module having an optical lens system with a central bore, an outer collection lens section, an inner beam focusing lens section, and an illumination source mounted within the central bore to form an integrated assembly, such an assembly may also include a photodetector array with all these components integrally mounted on a printed circuit board. The scan module may also integrate one or more of the following components: power supply and control electronics for the illumination source; power supply and control electronics for the scan engine; power supply and control electronics for the photodetector; and signal processing and/or decoding electronics for processing and/or decoding the scanned barcode signal produced by the barcode scan module.

Abstract: The detecting method described is conceived for use in a bar code decoding system based on digital processing of signals. it functions to process in real time a signal from an A/D converter and determined the portions of this signal which contain a likely bar code and rejecting the portions that surely do not contain a code. Only the former are signaled to a subsequent decoding process. The method steps are essentially the following: determining local maxima and minima of the digitalized analog signal; determining valid transitions; calculating the side of constant brightness zones located between two successive valid transitions; determining likely codes; if appropriate, repositioning the code starting zone; and if appropriate, analyzing detected potential codes for congruence, and signaling the likely codes.

Abstract: A thermostat system for controlling activation of a temperature management system is operable in an energy-savings mode for enhancing energy savings and in a comfort mode for enhancing comfort, where the operating mode is selectable by a user. The thermostat system has operating mode control circuitry which includes (1) a manual mode control operable to cause the operating mode control circuit to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states when pressed by the user, (2) a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states, and (3) telephone communication circuitry for receiving a telephonic mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states. Thus, the present invention offers at least three convenient ways for the user to switch between energy-savings and comfort modes of operation.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a vehicle includes a pump for circulating cooling water in a cooling water circuit, a heating heat exchanger for heating air blown into a passenger compartment of the vehicle using cooling water as a heating source, and a throttle valve disposed at a discharge side of the pump. In the heating apparatus, when the temperature of cooling water is low and heating capacity for heating the passenger compartment is insufficient, an opening degree of the throttle valve is reduced by a control unit. Therefore, heat is generated from the throttle valve and the pump so that the temperature of cooling water is increased. Thus, heating capacity of the heating apparatus can be improved without using a manual operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle device for use in a spray coating station designed for coating a paper or board web, said device comprising a nozzle device body (1), a replaceable nozzle piece (2) and clamping member and actuator (3,4) suited to lock said nozzle piece (2) to said nozzle device body (1). New nozzle pieces (2) are stored in a nozzle replacement apparatus (5,6) which facilitates rapid replacement of an in-use nozzle piece (2). In the replacement operation, the clamping member and actuator (3,4) serving to lock said nozzle piece (2) are first actuated in order to release said nozzle piece whereafter the worn nozzle piece (2) is removed with the help of transfer member (6) and a new nozzle piece (2) is moved to the nozzle device, and finally said new nozzle piece (2) is locked by said clamping member and actuator (3,4) to said nozzle device body (1).

Abstract: A pump injector comprising a pumping chamber, a valve needle controlling communication between the pumping chamber and one or more outlet openings, and a spill valve controlling communication between the pumping chamber and a low pressure fuel reservoir, in use. The pump injector also comprises an inlet non-return valve arranged to permit fuel to flow from the fuel reservoir to the pumping chamber, in use, but substantially preventing fuel flow in the reverse direction. Alternatively, the pump injector may comprise an abutment piston engageable with the valve needle which defines, in part, a control chamber for fuel, and a control valve controlling communication between the pumping chamber and the control chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an irrigation assembly that comprises a soaker hose having a liquid permitting region and a liquid barrier, which preferably is a tube that is disposed concentrically about a portion of said liquid permitting region and is axially movable relative thereto. The tube is water-impermeable such that water flowing through the soaker hose is not permitted to exit the hose along the axial region of the liquid permitting portion that is covered by the tube.