Abstract: A liquid storage tank and a method of fabricating and testing the liquid storage tank. The tank is collapsible for ease of transportation when not holding a liquid and includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a bottom wall and a frusto-conical sidewall that is sealed to the bottom wall. The top portion is sealed to the sidewall, and has a flexible opening. The opening is linear in the preferred embodiment and is openable to draw liquid from the tank and closable to prevent contaminants from entering the tank. The bottom wall is substantially circular and the top portion includes two substantially semi-circular sections joined and overlapped along the straight edges to form an overlapped region. The sidewall includes generally triangular shaped sections, and the sections are joined to one another with seams that extend in a slightly helical fashion about the tank. The opening includes a slit in the overlapped region and two L-shaped members.

Abstract: A memory card casing includes a plastic framework, and upper and lower metal covers that could be conveniently assembled to two sides of the plastic framework. The metal covers are fastened to each other via fastening means spaced on perpendicular wall portions of the metal covers. Each of the fastening means includes first and second fastening plates. The plastic framework is provided with retaining means, each of which includes a neck portion inward projected from and perpendicular to inner wall surface of the plastic framework and an expanded head portion in front of the neck portion.

Abstract: A truck bed tool box lid formed with a top sheet member and a liner sheet member joined to define an interior cavity, where the interior cavity is filled with a self-curing, self-expanding foam material which bonds to the top sheet and the liner sheet upon expansion and curing to create a rigid composite structure.

Abstract: A venting closure assembly for and milk tank where there is an outside stainless steel cover and a venting closure member positioned beneath the cover. The venting closure member forms a circumferential seal around the periphery of the cover and in one form has a downward and outward flaring flexible skirt, which forms a peripheral venting channel. When there is a surge of product in the tank (e.g. caused by acceleration of the tank) the surge of liquid is forced upwardly against the closure member and takes a circumferential path to slowdowns the surge of milk. In another form, a two-piece closure member is employed.

Abstract: A container with a secured closure is provided with a sealing system having an inflatable seal. A user actuated pneumatic or hydraulic pump supplies a quantity of air to inflate the seal. When the seal is inflated, a surface of the seal acts against surfaces of the container and the closure to effect a hermetic seal. The air may be selectively released from the inflatable seal by the user of the container to facilitate access to the contents of the container. Conversely, the air may be selectively pumped into the inflatable seal by the user to provide a secure, impermeable seal when the container is closed.

Abstract: A preferred storage system includes a container, a closure lid, and a compression link. Preferably, the container includes an outer wall, which defines an interior, and a first open end. The closure lid is configured to be inserted within the open end of the container, and is adapted to engage in a sealing relationship with the outer wall of the container. Preferably, the compression link includes a container engagement surface and a closure lid engagement surface. The compression link is configured to engage between the closure lid and the outer wall of the container to retain the closure lid in sealing engagement with the container. The container engagement surface and the closure lid engagement surface are configured to extend outwardly from each other, with the container engagement surface being adapted to engage the outer wall of the container and the closure lid engagement surface being adapted to engage the closure lid. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: A tab type openable beverage container in the form of a can fitted with a tear opening facility in the form of a tab is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. In addition to being used for gaining access to the contents of the can 10 via the shearing of an integrally formed panel 14, the tab 12 is swivellably mounted to a pin 20. It is thus swivellable along an arc 26 into closing off the contents of the can against undesired ingress of insects, bees and other undesired matter once the integral panel 14 has been broken away. The tab 12 displays an area of perforation 28. The contents of the can 10 thus remain accessible without having to swivel the tab 12 out of registration with the dispensing aperture 16. The tab 12 is formed with an openable flap 30 of which the inward urging provides a straw access opening.

Abstract: A process for the production of a container (1) comprising an outer container (2), an inner bag (3) disposed therein and a pressure equalization opening (10) disposed in the outer container (2), and also a container (1) produced according to this process, is described, wherein firstly a pre-molding, comprising two coaxial tubes, is first produced by co-extrusion with the help of a blow mold and with an outwardly-projecting base seam (5) being formed. The process is to form a pressure equalization opening (10) in the outer container (2) of the container (1) without endangering the integrity of the container (1), wherein a lower wastage rate and higher productivity are to be achieved. This is attained by a process wherein the base seam (5) is partially cut off and a force which acts in the direction of the seam is introduced into the pre-molding, which still has a temperature of 40° C. to 70° C.

Abstract: An interlocking container comprising a number of mutually interlocking plate forming the container that may be used for a plurality of various applications such as a vase, a pencil cup, a trash can, a support for a clock, or the like. The interlocking plates consist of a series of commonly formed printable pieces that interlock to form a variety of containers having unique geometric configuration.

Abstract: A packing tray is provided for use in both cell pack and tray pack arrangements. The packing tray is unitarily formed from polystyrene foam to have a cellular structure. Cells are arranged in longitudinal rows of alternating odd and even numbers, and the cells are partially separated by cell dividers, which have at least major portions recessed within the tray.

Abstract: A cooking pot with internal dividers defining compartments to segregate food being prepared therein is disclosed. Each compartment acts as an autonomous cooking pot, sealed from the other compartments. A lid may be used to cover a portion of the pot, usually corresponding to one of the compartments, so that one compartment is covered and another compartment is uncovered. The cooking pot is of conventional external dimensions, so that a standard lid may be used to cover all of the internal compartments. Various configurations of the cooking pot allow for from two to several internal dividers to form from two to several internal compartments, respectively.

Abstract: A flat panel display apparatus with a mounting apparatus includes a display screen, a handle member, a supporting member and a stand member. The handle member is disposed at the edge or the rear of the display screen. The supporting member is pivotally secured to the handle member. The supporting member has a first arm portion and a second arm portion where an obtuse angle is formed between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The stand member is disposed at an end of the second arm portion to provide friction between the second arm portion and contacted surface thereon and prevent the second arm portion from escaping as the display screen is in an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet materials from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll of sheet material and a feed mechanism for incrementally feeding lengths of sheet material from the roll to a dispensing position. The feed mechanism includes a user manipulable means for engagement by the user and a drive roller operably connected to the user manipulable means. The drive roller is maintained in continuous contact with the outer circumference of the roll. Upon operation of the user manipulable means by the user, the drive roller frictionally engages and drives the roll rotationally about the axis of the roll. This causes the incremental feeding of the sheet material by unwinding the sheet material from the roll.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser is provided which dispenses napkins, one at a time. The casing or housing of the napkin dispenser sits on a rotatable support platform. The dispenser assembly principally includes a roller and a follower. The roller engages and respectively ejects a napkin from a weighted napkin stack via the follower which urges napkins into engagement with the roller. The roller has a plurality of metal protrusions peripherally attached on its exterior surface for penetrably engaging with the material substrate of each respective napkin which enables reliable and efficient delivery of individual napkins for dispensing.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a coin dispenser mounted between a base and an insulated liquid storage container. The dispenser is not connected to an electrical power source. The coin mechanism increases the overall height by approximately 1/32 inches and prevents operation of the dispenser unless an appropriate coin or coins are first inserted into a coin slot.

Abstract: A tool designed to efficiently apply sealant to tile grout can be described as a plastic, main bottle (4), round in design with ounce indicator lines marked on the exterior (8); and a plastic nozzle (10) that tightly screws onto the bottle, via embedded threads inside the top of the bottle (16) and inside the base of the nozzle (18). Main cellulose sponge material (6) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) and secondary sponge material (12) is fitted tightly inside the nozzle (10); which controls the amount of sealant flow so that there is minimal dripping or waste of sealant. The applicator holds approximately 6 ounces of liquid grout sealant. The tip of the nozzle is marked (14) so it can be cut with a razor to match the flow of sealant to the width of the grout. The application of sealant is accomplished by gently applying pressure to the flexible bottle (4) and moving the tip at a 45 degree angle along the line of grout to be sealed, releasing the sealant all along the way.

Abstract: Flow-regulation means for improving the operation of a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispensers incorporating the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the flow-regulation means includes a conduit for receiving a pressurized fluid, wherein a flow restriction restricts the flow of the pressurized fluid into the conduit. The flow restriction has a smaller flow area than the outlet of the dispensing valve. As a result, fluid is re-supplied to the conduit more slowly than it is dispensed through the dispensing valve. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit is elastic. A dynamic pressure sensor is used to sense pressure in the elastic region. In an additional embodiment, the flow-regulation means includes a resilience-adjustment means operable to adjust the resilience or elasticity of an elastic portion of the conduit. Such adjustable resilience provides an additional measure of control over the dispensing process.

Abstract: A pump or spray container for fluids such as lotions and shampoos. The container has a well in the bottom which collects the fluid contents when the level is low so that substantially all the contents can be dispensed by the pump or spray mechanism.

Abstract: A cover member for elongate members such as dispensing outlets for hardenable materials. The cover member defines an open end, a closed end, and an elongate wall extending between the open and closed ends. In one embodiment, a wall thickness of the cover member at the closed end is greater than a wall thickness of the cover member adjacent to the open end. In another embodiment, an inner projection is formed at the closed end. In yet another embodiment, an insert member is arranged in the closed end. In still another embodiment, the cover member comprises first and second wall layers defining the closed end and at least a portion of the elongate wall.

Abstract: A beltclip-mounted holder assembly allows for the hands-free carrying of a beverage container. The body portion of the holder assembly comprises a plate having a spring-loaded clip used to attach the holder assembly to a person's belt or waistband. A pivotally mounted bracket located near the base of the plate allows a receptacle to move in a pendular manner. The receptacle is insulated and is designed to support a beverage container therein.

Abstract: A decorative thermally insulated beverage bottle holder having a detachable carrying strap, a bottle opener, and a bottle cap. The bottle holder is made of a flexible insulating material such as neoprene. A vertically disposed zipper allows for the easy opening and closing of the contour fitting holder. Indicia can be placed on the holder to enhance its appearance.

Abstract: A communications device leash comprising means adapted for attachment to an interior surface of a vehicle for securing an end of a flexible means having a secureable end and a second end remote from the securable end, the second end being adapted for receiving and retaining a communications device, the flexible means when secured being operable between a first extended position and a second retracted and stored position and means for moving the flexible means from the first extended position to the second retracted and stored position when tension on the flexible means is released. Preferably the leash comprises a spring loaded reel to move the flexible means from the first extended position to the second retracted and stored position. In a preferred embodiment the first extended postion is selectable from a series of positions wherein the flexible member is withdrawn from the secured and stored position in small increments.

Abstract: In a method of soldering a work-piece in a state where the work-piece contacts a wave molten solder, a soldering process is performed while controlling an immersion depth of the work-piece into the wave molten solder to be constant. The immersion depth control is performed by changing one of a height position of the work-piece and a wave height of the wave molten solder based on a displacement amount of the work-piece in a height direction thereof. Accordingly, the soldering process can be performed with high quality even when the work-piece is thermally warped.

Abstract: The clamping band manufacturing machine is capable of full-automatically manufacturing the clamping bands and highly increasing the manufacturing efficiency. The machine comprises a main machine part and parts feeding mechanisms. In the main machine part, a band shaping stage welds a clasp on a band section, bends the band section in an arc, and overlaps both end portions of the band section. A lever welding stage welds a lever and the overlapped portion of the band section. An examination stage measures a length of an overlapped portion of the band section and the lever material. An arc shaping stage bends the lever in an arc. A circular shaping stage expands the bent portion of the band section. A conveying mechanism synchronously conveying the band section to each of the sages, which are serially arranged. The feeding mechanisms feed the parts, e.g., the clasp, to the main machine part.

Abstract: A fluorescent strip window envelope for use with PC postage printed inserts. The envelope has a front wall and a rear wall, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge and a left edge. The envelope has a postage indicia window formed in the front wall in an upper right hand region thereof. The envelope is sized to accommodate at least three tri-folded sheets of standard sized letter paper sheets or a standard business courtesy envelope as inserts such that when the insert is inserted into the envelope there is less than about a 5% skew of the insert relative to the envelope and to expose the postage indicia printed on the insert. The envelope is free of FIM marks, and in lieu thereof has fluorescent strips printed on the right side top edge and the upper right side edge of the envelope.

Abstract: A closure system comprised of a passive surface, an engageable surface and an adhesive surface that may be applied to a number or surfaces such as paper and plastic.

Abstract: A box made from sheet materials such as corrugated cardboard two sides, two ends connected to the sides at foldable corners and each with a central fold line and a bottom connected to the sides at foldable corners but not connected to the ends. A center partition running from one end of the box to the other is hingedly connected to the ends and is not connected to the bottom. The bottom has a central fold, enabling it to fold away from the partition when the ends are folded about the side corners in the same direction, the ends folding in the middle relative to the partition, to collapse the box. The partition is made from two panels which are attached back-to-back to one another and each panel has end flaps at each end which make up the ends of the box. The end flaps have their ends attached to flaps of the side walls of the box. In one embodiment, a center closing lid is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pizza container are described using a container blank formed from a single piece of paperboard material. The container includes a bottom panel, first and second opposing side wall panels, and first and second opposing end wall panels. Each container further includes two top cover panels that fold over onto the container and act as lids. At least one U-shaped cut is formed along a hinge line connecting a top cover panel with an end wall panel. The U-shape has a closed side and an open side. The cut is oriented with the closed side extending into either the first end wall panel or the first top cover panel. The open side is positioned along the first hinge line. As assembled, the U-shaped portion is generally perpendicular with the panel from which it was formed. Various embodiment of lock mechanisms are described as well.

Abstract: A tissue-lined box is formed from a carton blank having a generally rectangular bottom panel with a width W, the carton blank having integral side walls and end walls connected with the bottom panel at creased fold lines. Four corner panels, one corner panel positioned at each respective corner of the generally rectangular bottom panel as an integral extension of one of the side wall and the end wall and connected to the other of the side wall and end wall to form the box. Fold lines adapt the box for folding to a flat condition and to an erected open position. A tissue insert has at least one layer of tissue paper and is folded to have at least one folded edge, the width T of the tissue insert taken from the folded edge to the opposite edge being greater to the width W of the bottom panel.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a simple and easy-to-use system to make electronic payments on the Web. Specifically, methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide anonymity, security and accountability. To do so, pre-paid stored value card (“cash card”) including a card identification number for a predetermined amount of money may be purchased at a point of sale. To ensure security, Personal Security Codes are established for a user at a server. To use the cash cards, a user may visit a Web merchant, select an item to purchase, and enter the card identification number and the Personal Security Code to transmit for confirmation to the server. The server subtracts the cost of the item from the predetermined amount on the cash card.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for guiding a vehicle to a preselected destination by continually communicating the heading direction to be followed regardless of any detours away from a direct heading. In one embodiment, a two phase system is provided to initially guide the vehicle to a zonal area containing the destination, and in the second phase, guiding the vehicle, by communicating local information, directly to a specific destination within said zonal area. The system can employ bar coded signs being read by a remote reader on the vehicle to obtain detailed information concerning the vehicle location, the streets-roads in the vicinity of each sign, traffic control information, parking and fuel availability, and specific street-road address information.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, address information and postage value indicia on a face of each of a plurality of mail pieces. The mail pieces can be subsequently placed in a tray and a label is applied to the tray, the label imprinted with information which relates to the mail piece content of the tray. The apparatus includes an inserter adapted to insert documents into an envelope and seal the envelope to produce a finished mail piece or a sorter which conveys finished mail pieces, with the address information and postage value indicia visible on a face of each mail piece. An in-line module is disposed adjacent the inserter, the module including a path along which each finished mail piece is transported.

Abstract: The card reader has a body (12) defining a support area (30) for a card equipped with contact terminals (32). The body (12) has, on one side of the support area (30), tabs (34), for holding the card, extending partly facing the support area (30). The reader also has a lock, for retaining the card, which comprises a moving latch (52) for retaining the card. This latch (52) can move between a retaining position for said card and a release position for said card. The latch (52) is an integral part of said body (12).

Abstract: A portable information terminal of the present invention is used with an IC card 10, the portable information terminal includes a housing forming the portable information terminal main body, a circuit board 20 disposed in the housing, and a connector 18 which is provided with a plurality of connection terminals 19 connected to the circuit board 20 and which is formed to define a groove for storing an information card 10. The plurality of connection terminals 19 are arranged on a lateral wall of the connector 18 in such a manner that the connection terminals 19 contact with a plurality of connection terminals of the information card 10. The connection terminals 19 are disposed on a plane which is inclined with respect to a main plane of the circuit board 20.

Abstract: An improved, rotatably articuable scanner for reading and decoding bar codes in connection with the sale of retail articles is disclosed. An ultra-compact, lightweight, low-cost, self-contained, visible laser diode (VLD) bar code scanner is provided with a great range of functionality and versatility. A scan head housing an optical subsystem is rotatably connected with a tower housing. The heat-generating electronic components are located in the tower housing away from heat-sensitive optical components located in the scan head. The scanner presents an extremely small footprint, and provides for its mounting in virtually any orientation and location.

Abstract: A chip card which has an additional memory with personalization data is proposed. The data in the additional memory are read out and written in a manner which bypasses the operating system of the microprocessor.

Abstract: An expansion valve 101 comprises a substantially prismatic-shaped valve body 301 made of aluminum alloy. On the valve body 301 is formed a first passage 32 through which a liquid-phase refrigerant travels towards an evaporator, and a second passage 34 through which a gas-phase refrigerant travels from the evaporator toward a compressor. On the upper portion of the valve body 301 is mounted a power element portion 36 for driving the valve mounted in the middle of a first passage 32. On the side surfaces 301a of the valve body 301 are formed protruding portions 301c, and to the protruding portions, penetrating holes 50 for inserting the bolt for mounting the expansion valve are formed.

Abstract: A nozzle or tip for use in precision dispensing systems which provides a continuous, uninterrupted flow of fluid therethrough. The tip comprises a body having an inlet at one end adapted for connection to a dispensing head or pump and an outlet at the other end for positioning adjacent a location on the surface onto which the fluid is to be dispensed. A passage in the body of the tip connects the inlet to the outlet, and is shaped to conduct fluid from the inlet to the outlet in a continuous and uninterrupted manner. The passage has a converging portion extending from the inlet to an intermediate location in the body and a constant diameter portion joining the converging portion to the outlet. The body of the tip is of ceramic material, preferably injection molded ceramic material. The tip can be fitted in a metal housing which can be provided with a standoff pin for spacing the outlet end of the tip from the surface onto which fluid is to be dispensed.

Abstract: A fuel injector for controlling fuel flow to an internal combustion engine and a method of setting dynamic calibration for the fuel injector. The fuel injector comprises a body, a seat, an armature assembly, a resilient member, and a member. The body extends along a longitudinal axis. The seat is secured to the body and defines an opening through which fuel flows. The armature assembly moves along the longitudinal axis with respect to the body between first and second positions. The first position is spaced from the seat such that fuel flow through the opening is permitted, and the second position contiguously engages the seat such that fuel flow is prevented. The resilient member biases the armature assembly toward the second position. And the member extends parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first portion and a second portion. The first portion supports the resilient member and engages the body, and the second portion has a filter.

Abstract: A reversible airless spray tip is provided with a housing for mounting to the front of a spray gun, a sealing saddle insertable into the housing, a seal associated with the saddle and a rotatable cylinder having a handle and containing an airless tip. The cylinder is insertable in the housing and has a protrusion on said cylinder for engaging and releasably retaining said seal for insertion into said housing.

Abstract: A protective device for a riser connected to an underground water pipe and sprinkler head attached at a top portion thereof includes an elongate hollow body member having an upper portion with an upper opening and a lower portion with a lower opening, each opening being defined by a rim on respective upper and lower portion. The body defines an interior space for housing a riser and sprinkler head therein and has a lower portion including a pair of slots formed therein for fitting the body over an underground water pipe, and an upper portion further including a concave hood member extending laterally outwardly and downwardly of the rim of the upper opening and defining a cavity. The hood member has a lower edge portion for engaging a ground surface to limit downward travel of the device. The slots have an open lower portion and an arcuate upper portion for engaging the upper surface of an underground water pipe.

Abstract: An automatic spray gun incorporates threadless, sanitary couplings for all air and fluid flow path connections for less contamination and lower maintenance. The spray gun nozzle body has threadless connection inlet couplings for air and fluid supply lines. There are threadless connections between the fluid tip and the nozzle body and between the air cap and the fluid tip. The nozzle body/fluid tip connection may incorporate multiple passageways for air and fluid flow; for example a center passageway for fluid flow plus annular middle and outer passageways for atomizing air and fan air respectively, for which seals such as O-rings or a full face gasket may be incorporated at this interface. The nozzle body may also have a threadless connection coupling for the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible multi-channel hose comprising a plurality of parallel channels extending longitudinally along the length of the hose. The first and second channels of the plurality of parallel channels are water conduits separated by a flexible partition. A third channel of the plurality of parallel channels is a service channel containing a flexible communication medium cooperating for signal communication between a remote signaling device on the hose and a regulator on a pumper. The signaling device may be mounted adjacent a nozzle end of the hose.

Abstract: A fuel injector for delivering fuel to a combustion space comprises a valve needle which is movable within a bore provided in a nozzle body and which is engageable with a seating to control the supply of fuel from the bore. The injector further comprises means for permitting fuel to escape from the bore to a low pressure drain upon initial movement of the valve needle away from its seating. The injector may include a cover member which defines, together with the nozzle body, a part of a return passage for fuel through which fuel flows, in use, to reduce the temperature of the nozzle body.

Abstract: An injector coil body assembly with upper and lower coil bodies is held together with a spring type press fit instead of welding. The coil bodies are made with generally tubular connecting portions telescoped together around the magnetic coil. The downwardly open tubular lower portion of the upper body is longer and slightly smaller than the connecting upwardly open tubular upper portion of the lower body so that the lower portion of the upper body fits into the upper portion of the lower body. A longitudinal slot in the upper body lower portion allows the lower portion to spring in slightly upon insertion into the lower body upper portion so that the upper and lower bodies are retained in assembly by a spring biased press fit. The press fit holds the telescoped portions in close contact, providing an efficient path for carrying the magnetic flux of the coil.

Abstract: A unique variable orifice electronically controlled common variable rail injector (VOECCRI) for use in internal combustion engines characterized in part by the provision of injection ports or orifices along a tip portion of the nozzle housing having an internal cylindrical surface, and which cooperates in sealing and sliding relation with an internal hollow fuel needle having a cylindrical outer surface. In seating, the needle seats against a frusto-conical seat carried in the closure sac at the lower tip of the assembly, whereby leakage is controlled and precise opening of the injection orifices can be effected and programmed, as desired.