Abstract: A holder and organizer, particularly for compact discs, comprising a generally planar body, a pliable and resilient, yet firm, protrusion extending vertically from the body and means for attaching the holder and organizer onto a surface. Objects, such as compact discs, are mounted onto the protrusion for repeated removal and mounting. The protrusion has a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of an opening of the object to be mounted thereon, such as the center opening of a compact disc. A compact disc mounted on the holder and organizer has its face prominently displayed and provides fast and easy access to compact discs. The holder and organizer can be attached to any appropriate surfaces, both vertically and horizontally, at or near where compact discs are used.

Abstract: A collapsible clothesline apparatus 10 is provided which includes a base member 12. The base member 12 is provided with a plurality of wheels 18 coupled thereto for moving the base member 12 from one location to another. Additionally the base member 12 includes a plurality of apertures 14 formed therein which allows excess water to flow to a removable drip pan 16. The apparatus 10 also includes pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 supported between the base member 12 and a clothes supporting member 52. The pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 are provided to allow the clothes supporting member to be raised to a predetermined upright position and be lowered to a folded position as desired.

Abstract: A single failure proof hoisting apparatus includes a support frame, a load engaging member such as a support hook for supporting a workpiece, and first and second reeving systems mounted on the support frame for supporting the load engaging member. As is conventional in single failure proof systems, the first and second reeving systems are independent from each other so as to provide redundancy in the event of operational failure of one of the reeving systems. Most advantageously, the apparatus further includes a shock absorbing system for at least partially absorbing load transfer shock that will occur in a surviving one of the reeving systems when the other experiences operational failure. The shock absorbing system is designed to transmit a proportion of the load transfer shock to the support frame substantially within the horizontal plane, which facilitates absorption of the shock by the hoisting apparatus and minimizes instability that might otherwise be transmitted to the load engaging member.

Abstract: A molded polymeric container that is shaped to exhibit superior characteristics of light weighting, stability against toppling and resistance to stress cracking includes a conventional cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis and a circumferential sidewall and a novel bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a central pushup area of uniformity that is substantially uniform within a spatial rotation about the longitudinal axis. The area of uniformity has a radius RG. The bottom also includes a plurality of support feet that surround and protrude downwardly from the pushup area. Each of the support feet have a bottom support surface with an inner point of contact and an outer point of contact. The outer points of contact together define an outer contact radius ROC. The bottom portion as a whole has a radius of maximum width RBASE. A plurality of ribs are positioned in valleys between the support feet. Each of these ribs is positioned between and helps define two of the support feet.

Abstract: A container for a substance including a coupling element for coupling the container to an administering device for administering the substance, wherein the container has an associated identifying element, and wherein the administering device includes a coupling device for accommodating the coupling element of the container and a sensor element for at least one of reading and writing the identifying element and the state of the container. The invention is intended to encompass methods for providing and using the identifying element.

Abstract: A large plastic blow-molded bottle of at least 64 oz., preferably 96 oz. or larger, is provided with an insert-type handle that preferably extends substantially within a maximum circumference of the bottle. The bottle has a height-to-width ratio of less than 2:1. Sufficient moldability is achieved by providing a vertical elongation magnification of approximately 2:1 and a horizontal elongation magnification of at least 3:1. The bottle can be round or rectangular in shape and may include a narrow side dimension (depth) of less than about 120 mm, allowing it to fit within the side pocket shelving of most refrigerators. The bottle may have a maximum total height of 265 mm or less so that it can fit on a standard sized shelf designed for a 64 oz. bottle.

Abstract: In a process for producing a substrate for use in a semiconductor element: a porous anodic alumina film having a great number of minute pores is formed on a surface of a base substrate; the surface of the base substrate is etched by using the porous anodic alumina film as a mask so as to form a great number of pits on the surface of the base substrate; the porous anodic alumina film is removed; and a GaN layer is formed on the surface of the base substrate by crystal growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an optical fiber-processing phase mask having minimized connection errors that may degrade the spectral line shape and group delay characteristics of an optical fiber diffraction grating fabricated by using the phase mask. The present invention provides a method of producing an optical fiber-processing phase mask having a repeating pattern of grating-shaped grooves and strips provided on one surface of a transparent substrate, so that diffracted light produced by the repeating pattern is applied to an optical fiber to fabricate a diffraction grating in the optical fiber by interference fringes of diffracted light of different orders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of thin film magnetic transducers using a compliant pad or mat or surface in a lapping process is disclosed. The lapping process is applied to heads to eliminate both ductile element connections between the MR and shields and poletip and shield protrusion. A lapping media is dispensed onto an interface surface of a compliant pad. Then, the interface surface is engaged to the surface of a head outside a region comprising transducers defining a head gap. The pad is then moved over the head in a direction parallel to the head gap while using a head rail to guide the pad. The soft, compliant pad conforms to the head rail to ensure parallel movement. The pad is typically not stopped at the elements, but rather moves from one end of the head to the other to prevent bridging and damage that might occur during start/stop on the delicate elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the repair of an amplitude defect in a multilayer coating. A significant number of layers underneath the amplitude defect are undamaged. The repair technique restores the local reflectivity of the coating by physically removing the defect and leaving a wide, shallow crater that exposes the underlying intact layers. The particle, pit or scratch is first removed the remaining damaged region is etched away without disturbing the intact underlying layers.

Abstract: An etchant and a method for roughening a copper surface each capable of permitting copper with roughened surface which exhibits acid resistance and permits a copper conductive pattern and an outer layer material to be firmly bonded to each other therethrough in manufacturing of a printed wiring board to simplify the manufacturing. The etchant may contain an oxo acid such as sulfuric acid, peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide and an auxiliary component such as an azole and chlorine. The azole may comprise benzotriazole (BTA). The chlorine may be in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl). The etchant permits a copper surface to be roughened in an acicular manner.

Abstract: An etching method through which the resist-relative selection ratio is improved and the etching shape is also improved, is provided.

Abstract: A method of operating on a workpiece comprises causing relative movement between the workpiece and a power beam in a traverse direction so as to expose a series of locations on the workpiece to the power beam. At each location the power beam is caused to move relative to the workpiece in a predetermined manner having a component transverse to the traverse direction, and workpiece material is melted and displaced by the power beam so as to form a cavity or hole.

Abstract: Provided are a deposited film forming method and a deposited film forming apparatus capable of reducing discharge leakage and sparks and maintaining a stable discharge even with increase in conveyance speed, increase in film-forming speed, replacement of a roll, or the like. The deposited film forming method and apparatus is configured so that, while a belt-like member is continuously conveyed in a longitudinal direction thereof, the belt-like member is passed through a film-forming chamber, one side of which is formed of the belt-like member and which is placed in a vacuum-sealable reaction vessel, a reactive gas is introduced into the film-forming chamber, the interior of the film-forming chamber is evacuated by an evacuator to be maintained at a given pressure, a high-frequency power is introduced into the film-forming chamber to induce a plasma therein, and a deposited film is formed on the belt-like member passing through the film-forming chamber.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a laser wire stripping apparatus that has a single piece channel assembly which has a pathway for allowing a light source to travel through the channel assembly to a cylindrical cavity in the channel assembly. A collet is provided and has a passageway for insertion of a wire. The collet has an opening, which when the collet is properly inserted into the cylindrical cavity, is in alignment with the pathway thereby allowing the light source to travel to the wire in order to remove insulation from the wire. A housing assembly is used for holding the channel assembly and for allowing the channel assembly to rotate within the housing assembly. The housing assembly has an air insertion opening and an exhaust opening for clearing smoke and debris from the channel assembly.

Abstract: A method of ablating a hole into a hard, non-metallic substrate is disclosed. At least on laser assembly capable of generating a laser beam in an axis having a focus that is moveable relative to said axis is provided. A focus of the laser beam is positioned adjacent at least one surface of the substrate. A first layer of the substrate is ablated by the laser beam. The focus is moved relative to the axis corresponding to the depth of the substrate thereby enabling ablation of successive layers of the substrate. Successive layers of the substrate are ablated to generate a hole into the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting a substrate using dual laser irradiation. Two lasers are provided, one focussed on a first substrate layer and one on a second layer so as to ablate the said layers. The wavelength and other parameters of the lasers are selected so as to correspond with the layer material to be ablated. The invention is particularly suitable for the singulation of IC packages.

Abstract: An electric arc welding system for creating an AC welding arc between an electrode and a workpiece wherein the system comprises a first controller for a first power supply to cause the first power supply to create an AC current between the electrode and workpiece by generating a switch signal or command with polarity reversing switching points in the first controller, with the first controller operated at first welding parameters in response to first power supply specific parameter signals to the first controller. The system has at least one slave controller for operating a slave power supply to create an AC current between the electrode and workpiece by reversing polarity of the AC current at switching points where the slave controller is operated at second welding parameters in response to second power supply specific parameter signals to the slave controller.

Abstract: A heater for a window of an optical gas sensor is provided. The heater may be positioned over a portion of the window or may form at last a portion of the window. Alternatively, the heater may be separate from the optical gas sensor and positionable (e.g., by a transducer) over the window either in contact therewith or in close proximity thereto. The heater may be substantially transparent to the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are used in optical (e.g., infrared or luminescence quenching) monitoring of respiratory gases, anesthetic agents, or the like. Alternatively, the heater may be configured so as to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the window. Optical gas sensors and complementary transducers that include the heater are also disclosed.

Abstract: A redundant package for optical components includes an inner package enclosing the optical component, and an outer package enclosing the inner package. A heater may be disposed in the inner package proximate the optical component to control its temperature, and to maintain this temperature control, the outer package creates an isolated air pocket around the inner package which thermally insulates the inner package from the outside environment. The outer package is formed of a material having low thermal conductivity, to promote this insulating function. This package is especially useful if the optical component comprises a planar lightwave circuit (PLC), e.g., an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), which requires tight temperature control and structural integrity to maintain the integrity of the optical paths.

Abstract: An improved thermally tunable system is provided. The improved thermally tunable system includes a thermally tunable apparatus including a first portion and a second portion, a heater configured to thermally tune the apparatus, and a heat sink disposed adjacent to the apparatus, wherein thermal flow is controlled to pass from the heater through the first portion of the apparatus, and then through the second portion into the heat sink, such that a temperature of the second portion remains substantially constant or within a predetermined range. A thermally conductive material is provided between the second portion of the apparatus and the heat sink. A thermally insulating material is provided between the first portion of the apparatus and the heat sink.

Abstract: A snow melting apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of heating wires 10, a pair of fixing members 20, 20 and rod-shaped auxiliary fixing members 30. The plurality of heating wires 10 are arranged substantially in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to its axial direction. The fixing members fix and hold the plurality heating wires at end portions thereof. The rod-shaped auxiliary fixing member holds the plurality of heating wires at intermediate positions thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a snow melting apparatus which holds a certain flexing capability, which causes no damage to the joining force between a base layer and a surface layer of a driveway, and which does not fail completely even if the apparatus partially breaks at a single position therealong.

Abstract: A hot-button type heat alert safety device attachable to a surface, such as metal or glass, for warning individuals that the surface is hot, comprising a thermochromic composition, a button-shaped container for housing the composition, having a convex face, the convex face overlying said composition and the container container being transparent in at least a portion of the container overlying the thermochromic composition.

Abstract: A steering-heater device 1 capable of temperature control without causing an excess current to flow into a steering wheel Sw is provided. The steering-heater device 1 includes a heater 2 disposed in the steering wheel, a calorific switching element 4 disposed in a steering column Sc to carry out switching of a drive current for driving the heater 2 and also generate heat, a thermo-sensitive element 5 for sensing the temperature of the element 4 to change its own characteristics, a control part 8 that outputs a control signal and a drive part 9 that outputs a drive signal for driving the element 4 on the ground of the control signal. Based on voltages between both ends of the element 5, the control part 8 detects an initial temperature of the steering wheel, further calculates a consumption power required to rise the temperature of the steering wheel up to a set temperature and generate the control signal during a heating period determined on the ground of the consumption power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating apparatus which can be implemented as various articles for keeping human body warm, preventing from cold weather, insulating cold air, etc., e.g., warming clothes, electric blankets, hot compress pads, and curtains for insulating cold air. According to the invention, the heating apparatus includes a soft matrix, a metal yarn and a power supply. The metal yarn is integrated with the soft matrix to construct a loop pattern by a textile process, and has a first end line and a second end line. The first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn are detachably connected to the power supply. When the first end line and the second end line of the metal yarn both are connected to power supply, the power supply supplies the metal yarn with electric energy such that the metal yarn transfers the supplied electric energy into heat.

Abstract: A luminous device includes one or more line-shaped luminous units each including an elongated light guide, one or more light sources, and a reflective layer. The light guide has a generally flat luminous surface for emitting light and another surface disposed away from the luminous surface. The light source serves to provide light into the light guide. The reflective layer is disposed on the above-mentioned another surface of the light guide. The light guide may have a ring shape. Since the luminous device produces a continuous line-shaped luminous image, e.g., a ring-shaped luminous image, it may be used for clearly indicating a heating range of an induction heating cooker.

Abstract: A top plate is provided for use in a cooking device having an induction heater alone or an infrared heater in addition, which comprises a transparent crystallized glass plate, a light-shading film on a bottom surface of the glass plate and an ornamental film formed on the top surface of the glass plate. The light-shading film is a porous layer of inorganic pigment powder dispersed in glass matrix. The light-shading film has small apertures at a portion corresponding to the infrared heater. Alternatively, it has a decreased thickness at the portion. In another alternative, a luster film is used in place of the inorganic pigment layer at the portion corresponding to the infrared heater.

Abstract: A collapsible container is provided, the container having a base and two pairs of opposed sidewalls pivotally attached to the base. A latch member is disposed at an end of one of the sidewalls and a latch is pivotally connected to a corresponding end of an adjacent sidewall. The latch has a body with a biasing means attached thereto, for releasably engaging the latch member when the sidewalls are in an assembled position.

Abstract: An interconnector is disclosed for joining an adjacent pair of freight containers together with corner fittings. Each corner fitting has an outer face provided with an entry aperture which has a pair of opposed parallel, or substantially parallel edges on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the aperture. The interconnector has a rotatable actuator shaft, an actuator stem projecting outwardly of the shaft, a pair of clamping heads provided one on each end of the shaft, and a two part housing in which the actuator shaft is rotatably mounted. Each head has a pair of opposed substantially parallel sides that allow the head, when properly aligned, to pass through an entry aperture. The housing has a central barrel, shear blocks projecting axially outwardly of opposed ends of the barrel, and a pair of abutment surfaces.

Abstract: A reusable sealable plastic drum incorporates

Abstract: In a rigid thin-walled inner receptacle from thermoplastic material for storage and transport of fluid or free-flowing loads, with a cage of crossed hollow bars closely surrounding the plastic receptacle as a support jacket and a bottom pallet which supports the receptacle and on which the support jacket is firmly attached, the crossed vertically and horizontally extending hollow bars which are welded to each other at welding points and configured such that they are free of any dimples in their contact area at a point of intersection, and each of the hollow bars are provided laterally next to the point of intersection with at least one dimple laterally and at a distance from the point of intersection respectively the welding point.

Abstract: Presently, in the nail industry, no absolute prevention of the spread of hand/foot/nail fungal and bacterial disease is practiced. My invention provides a solution to this dilemma. The consistent application of an individual, plastic, disposable, fitted liner or insert to each pedicure and manicure basin, prior to use, guarantees that no disease can be transmitted from client to client.

Abstract: A trash container that allows for the removal of filled trash container liners without the lifting of the said liners is provided consisting of a trash container equipped with a hinge system and associated latch that allows for the opening of at least one vertical surface.

Abstract: A disposable food tray that includes one or more strength-enhancing features to increase the strength and rigidity of the tray is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the disposable tray includes an inner wall that is curved and that includes a curved recessed portion. If desired, the corner sections of the tray can be provided with a ledge to improve the strength and ability of the trays to be stacked and shipped without breaking or bending. In one embodiment, the tray is also formed from a microcellular-foamed polystyrene material that can further enhance the strength and rigidity of the resulting tray.

Abstract: In a heat storage tank, a discharge port of an introduction passage is covered by a cup-shaped collision member constructed by a shield portion and a guide cover. In addition, a mixture protection plate having plural through holes is disposed in a tank body between the collision member and an inner surface of the tank body. Therefore, a high-speed water stream, upwardly injected from the discharge port, collides with the shield portion, and turns its flow direction by an approximately right angle. Thereafter, the water stream is guided by the guide cover to a lower side of the mixture protection plate. Accordingly, it can prevent water stored in the tank body from being mixed even when the injection water stream has a high speed.

Abstract: A synthetic resin liquid container for containing drinking water, juice, milk and other liquids is provided. The synthetic resin liquid container has a body that can substantially reduce its volume when a vertical and/or twisting stress is applied to the body, and a form-retaining means to be used after compression of the container body for keeping it compressed.

Abstract: A coordinate selectable vending machine assembly for dispensing articles from a plurality of article storage compartments, including horizontally arranged helical coils, comprises a single dispenser, movable between the plurality of storage compartments for vending a selected article. The single dispenser is movable between the plurality storage compartments in response to an electronic signal sent by a micro control panel after a user has inserted money into the machine and used the coordinate section to identify the type of article to be dispensed. The dispenser moves, utilizing a pair of stepping motors, until aligned with the selected storage compartment. Once in position, the dispenser is urged from a normal position out of engagement with the storage compartment to a second position in engagement with the storage compartment for actuation of the vending selected article, which it then actuates resulting in dispensing of the article.

Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.

Abstract: A display apparatus [100] for bag-in-box type dispenser bags comprises a transparent enclosure [103] having a dispenser portion [117] and a cup holder portion [119]. The dispenser portion is sized to accept a drink dispenser bag [101] for dispensing beverages. A spout aperture [129] on a dispensing end [109] provides access to the spout [131] of the dispenser. A cup holder [121] dispenses a stack of cups [125] from the apparatus. Suction cups [205] provide a means to attach the apparatus to a vertical surface [135]. The apparatus provides high-visibility display of a bag-in-box product and facilitates sampling by potential customers.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing new diapers and disposing of used diapers. The apparatus comprises a container having a base, a plurality of outer walls, an enclosed area, and a partition wall. The partition wall divides container into a diaper compartment for storing new diapers, and a waste compartment for storing used diapers. One of the outer walls includes a slot extending to the diaper compartment. The slot is for dispensing of individual diapers. An outer lid can be positioned over the container to enclose both of the diaper compartment and the waste compartment. An inner lid is provided inside the container covering the diaper compartment to prevent odor from permeating diapers in the diaper compartment. A wipe receptacle is mounted to the container adjacent the diaper slot. The wipe receptacle is adapted to contain wet baby wipes in a convenient location for use during diaper changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method for measuring and transferring the contents of a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer vessel having a liquid disposed therein and an inner vessel positioned to float in the liquid of the outer vessel. A liquid is also disposed in the inner vessel. An input passageway is associated with the inner vessel and at least one output passageway is associated with the outer vessel. A magnet or other sensed member is positioned on the inner vessel and a sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, is associated with the outer vessel. The sensor is configured so as to read the position of the inner vessel relative to the sensor to determine the weight of the inner vessel.

Abstract: A device for the linear drive of a pumping member in a soap-type dispenser includes a crank mechanism with a crank disc and a push rod transmitting a linear movement to a piston rod. Disengageable coupling members are located between the push rod and the piston rod to disengage the piston rod when an actuating signal is not present. The coupling members can be re-engaged upon further movement of the crank disc. The device may be employed in conjunction with a motor driven pumping member and a sensor with a control circuit to detect the presence of a hand to be supplied with the soap and generate the actuating signal.

Abstract: An ingredient delivery system is disclosed that provides a system for dispensing of one or two ingredients in a controlled fashion from a container. In one version the system provides a two-ingredient delivery system with a two-chamber container and a piercing sealing cap that allows ingredients sealed in the chambers of the containers to be stored and transported in a safe and uncontaminated fashion. When ready for use the seal can be broken with the piercing cap and the cap opened to dispense the ingredients in a controlled fashion from each chamber individually or from both at once without cross contamination. The system also provides mirror image bottles that have a unique connecting and interlocking feature and a method for fabricating the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing material from a bulk bag with reduced atmospheric contamination. The invention provides for engaging the bulk bag in a substantially airtight arrange with a reservoir that receives the material being unloaded and airflow discharge system that filters the airflow prior to it entering the surrounding atmosphere. The apparatus is specifically intended for removing residual material from the bulk bag and collapsing the bag through vacuum pressure. This simplifies bag removal and folding while reducing atmospheric contamination from uncontrolled residual material.

Abstract: A solution delivery system for a processor holds and delivers the processing solutions at working temperature. The solutions are held in an airtight chamber in which they are heated to the correct temperature. The solution is then transferred to a holding chamber until released into the processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder-fluidizing and feeding device for use with coating and spray forming nozzles and guns. The device includes novel provisions for controlling and feeding powder from a hopper to a vibrating bowl, for heating and vibrating powders in the hopper to dissipate agglomeration and clumping of the powder, and for metering powders from a vibrating bowl to the spray nozzles and guns using a feedback control derived from powder mass loss rate measurements. The device is particularly useful for feeding ultra-fine and nanoscale particles, which are difficult to feed uniformly with the prior art of conventional powder feeders.

Abstract: A feeder for delivering quantities of flowable food into the mouth of a person includes a feeder body having a cylindrical food chamber with a tubular chamber side wall, a chamber distal end wall with a food dispensing port encircled by a distally protruding nipple and a chamber proximal end wall with a chamber rod passing port; a piston slidably mounted within the chamber side wall and a ratchet rod slidably extending through the chamber rod passing port, the ratchet rod having a rod distal end connected to the piston and having a rod proximal end protruding rearwardly from the chamber distal end wall, the ratchet rod having a series of ratchet notches extending longitudinally along one side of the ratchet rod; and a notch engaging ratchet mechanism for advancing the ratchet rod distally.

Abstract: An improved tilt-type aerosol valve for use with a pressurized whipped cream dispenser. The valve including a radially slotted “fast fill” valve body and further including an actuator with an at least three-pronged flow deflector for minimizing sputtering of the dispensed product.

Abstract: A dispenser for wipes. The present dispenser comprises a unitary living hinge and a pop-up cover. The unitary hinge allows for simplicity of construction, processing, and use. It also eliminates the need for a secondary mechanical hinge. The pop-up cover permits easy one-handed wipe dispensing without requiring that the lid be manually held in an open position.

Abstract: A first operation of a lever causes a valve rod to retract axially through a second valve element seated on a second valve seat against a first resilient part, while a first valve element to leave a first valve seat open to pour beer from a beer pouring nozzle through a beer supply channel. A second operation of the lever causes a slider to advance axially against a second resilient part to be spaced away from the valve rod forcing the first valve element to be seated on the first valve seat, while the second valve element to leave the second valve seat open to effect frothing of the beer from a liquid passage and pour the resulting froth through holes defined in a sleeve.