Abstract: A laser machining head for machining a workpiece by a laser beam. The head has a head housing through which the laser beam passes along a central axis. A carrier member for a lens optics system for focusing the laser beam is mounted on the head housing and is displaceable relative to the latter in the direction of the central axis. A first setting device includes a cable connected to the carrier member and a cable drum connected to the head housing for winding up the cable in order to move the carrier member towards the head housing. A second setting device causes the carrier member to be displaced in the direction away from the head housing, with the second setting device being separate from the first setting device.

Abstract: The shielding gas mixture is useful for MIG brazing galvanized steel. The gas mixture consists essentially of, by volume percent, about 0.5 to 4 carbon dioxide, about 0.2 to 1 hydrogen, and the balance is argon and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A contact provided in a welding tip of an arc welding apparatus includes a tip body adapted to be mounted to a welding torch body and a tip end member formed integrally therewith. The tip end member is divided into two parts, i.e., first and second halves by means of a slit formed along the axis of the tip end member, and the first half having the predetermined rigidity is movable around a connection between itself and the tip body. A spring member fitted on the tip end member applies a spring force thereto, whereby the contact has improved durability.

Abstract: A ceramic heater for heating a substrate in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The ceramic heater, which contains a thermal heat pipe made from Graphfoil embedded in, e.g., AIN, permits <1° C. temperature difference from the center to the edge of a substrate in a substrate holder.

Abstract: A heatable vehicle window (e.g., windshield, sidelite or backlite) includes a multi-layer coating formed on a substrate. The multi-layer coating includes at least one dielectric layer and at least one conductive layer. A pair of bus bars are deposited on the substrate over the coating, so that at least the dielectric layer is provided between the bus bars and the conductive layer(s). In order to create an electrical connection between the bus bars and the conductive layer(s) of the coating, the bus bars and/or coating is/are heated to a temperature sufficient to permit the bus bars to reach molten or semi-molten form. Portions of bus bar material then flow down through at least the dielectric layer of the coating (i.e., forming a contact hole in the coating) so as to contact the coating's conductive layer(s). After cooling of the newly formed bus bars, the window may be selectively heated by passing current through the conductive layer(s) via the bus bars.

Abstract: A bus bar arrangement for a heatable vehicle window. An electroconductive coating is divided into two separate coating portions which represent two different respective heating zones. A single bottom bus bar is common to both heating zones, while a first upper/top bus bar portion is provided for the first heating zone and a different second upper/top bus bar portion is provided for the second heating zone. The two upper/top bus bars are spaced apart and electrically insulated from one another. Conductive bus bar extension portions lead from the respective upper bus bars down to a bottom edge of the window (e.g., vehicle windshield) so that electrical connectors for all three bus bars can be located along or proximate a single edge of the window.

Abstract: An electric heat sealer for sealing workpieces such as plastic bags or the like includes a casing defining a battery chamber, a press bar pivotally connected to the casing, a sealing mechanism supported on a compression spring in a spring holder inside the casing, and a safety device. The sealing mechanism is electrically connected to produce heat for sealing the workpiece being put thereon when the press bar pressed against the sealing mechanism. The safety device breaks the electrical circuit when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A segmented elongate, hollow convection pipe formed with an angled mid portion which extends through the body cavity of stuffed poultry during cooking. The device is provided in plural individual sections of tubing that are serially joined in a nested fashion. Overall length of the device can be grossly adjusted by selecting greater or fewer numbers of sections of tubing to form the device, and finely adjusted by telescopically sliding the sections relative to each other. The angled mid portion may be provided as a fixed angle, or provided as a selectively adjustable angle to accommodate anatomical differences in poultry. Overall cooking time of both the poultry and the stuffing is uniform and reduced as a result of cooking from the inside as well as the outside. A method is provided for using the convection pipe to safely, quickly, and uniformly cook a raw, stuffed poultry.

Abstract: In a cooktop with a cooktop panel, beneath which at least one heating element is disposed for heating up a cooking vessel to be placed on the cooktop panel, and with a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cooktop panel, which temperature sensor is in heat-conducting contact with the underside of the cooktop panel within the heating element and is connected to a control unit for controlling the heating power of the heating element, to simplify assembly/fitting, the invention provides a heat-conducting element within the heating element in heat-conducting contact with the underside of the cooktop panel, and fastens the temperature sensor in this region to the heat-conducting element.

Abstract: Modern cook-tops typically comprise a colored glass ceramic plate (1) serving as a cooking surface, which has cooking zones (2) that are heated by radiant heating elements (3), and on whose top side decorations are applied. In order to obtain particularly brilliant decorations while providing a smooth cooking surface of the glass ceramic plate (1), said glass ceramic plate (1) is comprised of a non-colored transparent glass ceramic material, whereby the decorations consisting of temperature-resistant coloring substances are applied as IR-permeable coatings (6) only to the underside of the glass ceramic plate (1). The decorations, when viewed from above, thus display brilliant shapes like a rear surface glass painting, and the cooking surface side of the glass ceramic plate (1) remains smooth.

Abstract: An improved control for the heater element of a motor vehicle engine exhaust gas oxygen sensor determines the temperature of the heater element and adjusts the heater element current by closed-loop control to minimize deviation of the heater element temperature from a desired heater temperature determined in relation to the desired oxygen sensor temperature. The heater temperature is calculated based on the heater element resistance, and the heater resistance is adaptively adjusted to account for sensor-to-sensor variation. The adaptive adjustment is updated based on a deviation of the measured heater element resistance from an expected value under predetermined calibration conditions at engine start-up.

Abstract: An electrical heater control system with reduced flicker comprising: an electrical heating system; an AC (alternating current) power source for supplying AC current to said electrical heating system; an AC power control device connected between said electrical heating system and said AC power source for controlling the supply of AC current to said electrical heating system; and a controller unit coupled to said AC power control device for activating said device at zero crossings of said AC power to minimize flicker in AC current supplied to said electrical heating system from said AC power source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in any one or a plurality of casings of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent gas leakage and the like. The material is positioned within any of the annuluses between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement between the casings of interest. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.

Abstract: A device for inductive billet-heating includes a single or multi-layer billet-heating coil (4) for a round billet (5), in which the billet-heating coil (4) is made up of one or more consecutive, galvanically separated zones. The zones are supplied with electrical energy from a three-phase network by means of an electrical switching device and a control unit. The billet-heating coil (4) includes multiple, synchronically regulated zones (Z1, Z2 through Zn) with reference to frequency and phase of inductive field. For a current feed to each zone (Z1 through Zn) of the billet-heating coil (4), a converter (2) with variable frequency and a plurality of modules is provided. The converter includes plurality of power-moderate closed units with DS-network feed and synchronization of phase and frequency of an output voltage.

Abstract: A containment vessel for a fuel tank comprises two-piece construction with a bottom-top or a left-right side orientation. These parts are rotationally molded with size and shape to receive a fuel oil tank. The two halves have annular flanges which bolt together for sealing the tank within. The top of the containment vessel provides a vented housing for enclosing fill, vent and furnace lines of the fuel oil tank. Heating tape may be provided to prevent freezing. Oil drips from degraded tank seams and from spills are captured within the vessel to prevent environmental damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a freight container (1) with controlled inner environment. The container (1) has protruding wall sections (22) adjacent to edges (20, 21) and walls (12, 16, 18) that comprise said protruding wall sections (22) are formed together as one integrated part. An air-filled space is formed between adjacent containers by the protruding wall sections (22). Preferably, the integrated part comprises an inner shell (42) and an outer shell (40) with insulating material in between. The outer shell (40) preferably comprises a polymer material, which is reinforced at the protruding wall sections (22). The protruding wall sections (22) preferably have a rounded-off shape, preferably extend along the entire length of respective edge (20, 21), and preferably are provided on substantially vertical walls (12). The bottom wall (18) and top wall (16) of the container (1) preferably have complementary projections (50) and recesses (52).

Abstract: A condiment container has a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space. The upwardly extending sidewall terminates in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space. The condiment container also includes an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip to a terminal end. A nesting aperture is positioned behind the attachment arm to enable nesting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices or methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, tanks (e.g., storage tanks, septic tanks, fuel tanks, etc.); containers (e.g., shipping containers, storage containers, etc.); semi-closed systems (e.g., fuel systems, septic systems, reservoirs, etc.); and/or closed systems (e.g., waste disposal systems, waste disposal drums or containers, etc.). In another embodiment, the devices and/or methods of the present invention may be utilized to reduce and/or prevent corrosion in a variety of pipelines (e.g., gas/oil pipelines, water pipelines, sewage lines, etc.).

Abstract: A hinge device coupling a cover to a container body is minimized in size to be embedded in the cover or the container body without exposure to an outside of the cover and the container body. The hinge device provides the storage container with a neat appearance and is easily installed in a storage container. The hinge device includes a hollow housing attached to one of the cover and the container body, a hinge shaft having a shaft part received in the hollow housing and rotatably supported by the hollow housing, an extension part extended from an end of the shaft part and coupled to the other one of the cover and the container body, and one or more protrusions provided at the shaft part, a movable member inserted around on the shaft part to be moved longitudinally and having cam surfaces contacting the protrusions, and a compression spring received in the housing to bias the movable member toward the protrusions.

Abstract: Pressure vessel end dome reinforcements are placed upon resin impregnated fiber wound pressure vessels to improve the strength to weight ratio of high performance pressure vessels, such as those that are used as rocket motors, gas generators, and the like. The reinforcement structures are assembled from gore pieces to form gore bodies over dome regions of the pressure vessels.

Abstract: A collapsible storage container having a displaceable access opening for tracking and providing proximate access to said diapers stored within. Said collapsible container further includes a rigid non-collapsible portion at the top separated into two separate portions, the first portion being the top of said collapsible diaper storage area and the second portion being a discrete independent separate storage area for containing treated or medicated diaper wipes. Said second diaper wipe area having its own separate access area including a hinge and a depression or tab to access the sheets of said diaper wipes.

Abstract: Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable container with internal partial vacuum making facilities, comprising a base body with which a lid is hermetically associable, the lid having, at least in its peripheral region, an elastically flexible portion that has a groove arranged peripherally and open toward the edge of the base body. On the edge of the base body, at least one through hole is provided, arranged at a distance from the free border of the edge of the base body that is shorter than the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A food container, particularly a hermetic container for preserving foods in refrigerators and freezers and for thawing in a microwave oven, comprising a base body with which a lid can be associated hermetically, the lid forming a groove that is open toward the edge of the base body. The lid has a substantially rigid central portion with which a substantially elastic peripheral portion that forms the groove is associated. The central portion reaches, in a radial direction, no further than the region delimited by the edge.

Abstract: A system and method of dispensing medications for low vision elderly and blind individuals. The system includes a storage assembly that contains a plurality of different compartments that are identified in Braille and with large raised letters. Each prescription of a person is placed in a separate compartment. A microprocessor is contained within the storage assembly. The microprocessor is programmed with the times that each of the medications in each of the compartments is to be taken. At the appropriate times, the microprocessor opens the compartment containing the medication that should be taken. A person, upon notification by a vibrating paging unit, then goes to the storage assembly and takes the medication contained within that compartment. A portable unit is carried by the person using the system. The portable unit interconnects with the main storage assembly when not in use. When connected to the storage assembly, data regarding the times of the prescription dosages is read to the portable unit.

Abstract: A curl reducing adapter kit for a napkin dispenser used for dispensing interfolded napkins including an enclosure with a dispensing wall defining a dispensing slot and a slidably mounted, biased pressure carriage adapted to advance a stack of napkins in the enclosure toward the dispensing wall includes a tongue for mounting about the dispensing wall such that the tongue projects into the dispensing slot and narrows the slot. The tongue further includes a plurality of friction tabs configured to project inwardly into the enclosure from the upper inner lip of the dispensing slot and frictionally engage the napkins to limit bulge through the slot.

Abstract: An assistance tray for manual distribution used in medicine sharing and packing device with a disk-type tray for manual distribution of pills mounted in the front side comprises largely an assistance tray body at the rim portion of which a plurality of auxiliary pill containing portions as many as a plurality of pill containing portions formed at the rim of the upper surface of a disk-type tray for manual distribution are formed and on both sides of which handle portions are formed in the perforated state, and an opening/closing plate which is mounted on the lower surface of the assistance tray body so as to be rotated, at the rim portion of which holes as many as the auxiliary pill containing portions of the assistance tray body are formed, and on one side of which a control handle portion is formed in the protruding state, thereby opening the bottom of the auxiliary pill containing portions of the assistance tray body and accordingly enabling pills distributed to each auxiliary pill containing portion of th

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed that is particularly suitable for dispensing packaged items such as bandages or membrane filters. The dispenser is provided with a magazine for holding the items, with a distribution assembly for exposure and distribution of the items, an ejector operable in advance/feed and disposal modes, and with a separating assembly for separation of the item from its packaging.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing at least two products is provided with each of the at least two products being packaged separately in at least first and second flexible-walled sachets. The device may comprise a holder configured to fixedly hold the first and second sachets in a superposed position so that respective outlet orifices of the first and second sachets are in the vicinity of one another, and a pressurizer movable with respect to the holder, the pressurizer being configured to apply pressure to the first and second sachets so as to force contents of the first and second sachets out through the respective outlet orifices in a predetermined ratio. A system and method associated with the device are also provided.

Abstract: An improved container for ice confectioneries particularly for use in dispensing equipment, of the type having a cylindrical or prismatic body, and preferably made from cardboard, in which the body has protrusions for preventing frost or ice that forms on its outer surface from causing adjacent, stacked containers from sticking together, thus enabling proper dispensing of the containers from automated dispensing or vending machines.

Abstract: An automatic hybrid volumetric method of dispensing (HVD) improves on gravimetric dispensing and volumetric dispensing. The method dispenses ingredients for a mixture, according to pre-selected formulations, utilizing a supply of the fluid ingredients, an ingredient container, a power-driven plunger in the ingredient container, a mixture container, and a calibration weight scale. The plunger is movable to expel fluid in the ingredient container. The method includes several steps. The ingredient container is connected to the supply to receive a first ingredient in the ingredient container. The ingredient container is connected to the mixture container for the mixture container to receive ingredient expelled from the ingredient container by movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a customer interface and a logic unit for controlling beverage dispenser operations. The customer interface includes a sensor linked with the logic unit. Specifically, the sensor receives an input and outputs a corresponding command signal. The logic unit receives the corresponding command signal from the sensor and thus controls beverage dispenser operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice cream dispenser which is directed to effectively discharging an ice cream from the interior of a dispensing container without any transformation and damage of the dispensing container by providing a lid which slides in the interior of the body of the dispensing container and a pressing device which transfers a uniform pressure to the lid.

Abstract: A piston for a pressurized container (i.e., “aerosol can”), the piston including a body having circumferential fins, with the fins being of uniform thickness, decreasing thickness radially away from the body, or varying thickness circumferentially. Further disclosed are container precursors and containers incorporating such a piston, and methods of filling and dispensing from such containers.

Abstract: A kettle has a handle with a channel formed therein. The channel houses a slider with a push trigger on one end and a toothed rack on the other. A compression spring is positioned between the channel and the slider. A ratchet tooth gear is connected to the kettle spout cover/whistle. The gear is pivotally connected to the handle. The toothed rack of the slider engages the ratchet tooth gear so that a force applied to the trigger moves the cover to the open position. The removal of such force causes the cover to move to the closed position under the influence of the compression spring. The kettle may include a stop that locks the cover/whistle in the open position.

Abstract: An ornamental visor-bending device with a strand that is bent, formed and cut, comprises a laterally arched member running substantially from one side of a baseball cap type visor to the other side. The device further includes end members on each end of the strand which releasably attach and constrain the edges of the opposing sides of the visor and force the central portion of the visor to conform to an arch or other useful shape. The visor-bending device may be worn with the visor on the head of the user to maintain the bend of the visor. The laterally arched strand may itself be made ornamental with or without additional ornamentation attached. The end members are ornamental and have additional ornamentation attached.

Abstract: Trousers and/or shorts are fed one at a time between conveyor belts, cuff end first, towards a hanger automatically dropped from a hanger bar into a hanger chute positioned in the path of travel of the trousers, A sensor senses the presence of a pair of trousers on the feed belts and activates a hanger transport mechanism which grabs a hanger from the end of a screw conveyor on a hanger bar feeding the hangers by gravity towards the screw end, which stops, separates and spaces the hangers. The hanger transport mechanism delivers a hanger forwardly over the hanger chute, and then retracts, dropping the hanger into chute. The cuffs of the trousers are fed through the hanger positioned in the chute.

Abstract: A garment hanger holder device has a hook with a rectangular slot to receive a strap formed into a loop. The hook member can have multiple slots, through which a strap can be threaded to provide a simple strap adjustment mechanism. The strap can have multiple loops that can be adjustable or fixed in size. An opening of the hook member is sized and shaped to be about equal to a diameter of a standard size garment hanging rod. The opening size and shape creates resistance with the hook is placed on or removed from a garment hanging rod. The holding device permits multiple garment hangers to be suspended from a single hook and contribute to ease of storage, transportation and display. The resistance provided by the sized and shaped hook opening prevents the device from being jostled off of a garment hanging rod.

Abstract: A device and associated method for attaching an electronic device to a tether so that it cannot be stolen or inadvertently lost. The device includes a housing. Within the housing is contained a spool and a spring for rewinding the spool. A tether extends from the spool out of the housing. The tether terminates outside of the housing with a connector element. The connector element is selectively attachable to an electronic device. As the tether is wound on the spool, the connector element is drawn toward an attachment area on the housing of the device. The connector element and the attachment area are magnetically attracted. As such, when the connector element approaches the attachment area on the housing, the connector element becomes magnetically affixed to the attachment area, thereby joining the electronic device to the housing in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: The small size cellular telephone (T) is fixed on a telescopic slide (201, 101) sliding on a guide (1) which can be longitudinally secured on the user's arm (B), at the wrist (P). When the cellular telephone calls and has the vibration signaller warning system activated, the vibrations are easily transmitted to the slides and guide system and from this last to the user's wrist who can this way instantaneously notice the call state, even if he is in a noisy place. By catching the cellular telephone with the free hand, the user can extend the guides and quickly bring the cellular telephone itself to the palm of the hand to use it. When the conversation is over, the cellular telephone can be as well quickly taken back to the backward rest position on the wrist. Suitable release means are provided to keep the slides in the backward rest position and if required also in the extended use position of the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A holder for golf balls is disclosed that is clipped to the belt or pants of a golfer. The container has a flared opening at the top and has a constricted opening at the bottom. Golf balls are placed in the top opening. The golf ball holder allows for a ball to be removed from the top opening by inserting a finger through the front opening and pushing the top golf ball out of the top flared opening. Pushing the golf ball from the bottom opening may retrieve the remaining golf ball. The golf ball holder works equally well for a right or left-handed person. Apertures are provided in the top surface of the golf ball holder to accept and securely hold golf tees and a golf ball marker. Finally, an area for advertising company or organizations names or logos is provided on the front of the golf ball holder.

Abstract: A belt-mounted holder for spackle items. More particularly, the invention is an item that is removably attachable to a belt of a user, and functions to hold a hawk or spackle device so that the user does not have to put the item down while working. The holder is preferably constructed of simple metals or plastics, and consists of two main panels that are hingedly attached. A generally vertical panel is affixed to the user's belt area and stays against the user's body. The second panel folds down from the first panel to a position parallel to the ground. The panel folds and stays in such a position through usage of a spring loaded mechanism. Located on the second panel is a hole of sufficient diameter to receive the handle portion of the hawk.

Abstract: A method for separating a brittle material is provided. First, a brittle material, having a first surface and a second surface, is provided. Then, a reference line is scribed on a predetermined position of the first surface of the brittle material along a first direction by laser. Finally, a soft-breaker is provided, and the soft-breaker separates the brittle material along a second direction by strikes the second surface of the brittle material. Thus, the quality of the brittle material, separated based on the method of this invention, is maintained at a certain level so that the processes subsequent to the separation process are reduced.

Abstract: A toilet paper holder, which can be handled by one hand, comprising a holder H for holding a rolled paper R, a paper holding shelf T monolithically formed at a bottom portion of the holder H for holding the downwardly drawn folded rolled paper R as being wound and a cutter for cutting the downwardly drawn paper R arranged between the holder H and the paper holding shelf T, can cut the downwardly drawn folded paper R on the paper holding shelf T by pulling the folded paper R forwardly.

Abstract: A separation device of a paper towel includes a housing provided with two roll sets each having at least two rolls that may be driven by a power member to rotate relative to each other at an equal speed, so that a continuous paper towel may pass between the rolls of the two roll sets and may be pulled downward. The paper towel is provided with sensing marks at a predetermined length, so that when the sensing mark of the paper towel passes through a detection member, the detection member may detect passage of the sensing mark of the paper towel, and may send a signal, so that a rotation speed difference is produced between the rolls of the two roll sets, and the paper towel passing between the rolls of the two roll sets may be torn off.

Abstract: A pill splitting device is provided. The device may be comprised of a first portion hingeably coupled to a second portion. The lower portion includes a storage area and a pill holding region. The upper portion includes a cutting member located such that when the upper and lower portions are placed in a closed position, a pill within the pill holding region is split. In one aspect of the device, one or more surfaces of the pill holding region are coated with an elastomer, the elastomer enhancing the pill holding aspects of the device. In another aspect of the device, one or more surfaces of the pill holding region are grooved or ridged, the grooves or ridges enhancing the pill holding aspects of the device. In another aspect of the device, the upper, the lower, or both the upper and lower portions of the device are fabricated from transparent or semi-transparent material, thus allowing a user to monitor the pill cutting process and to potentially avoid situations in which the pill moves prior to being cut.

Abstract: A power exhaust device for packing sheet used in sharing and packing device of medicine, which is mounted at the discharge position of the packing sheet containing medicine and designed to feed the packing sheet forcedly, comprises a primary motor and a secondary motor mounted abreast on a mounting plate for generating rotational force with power applied, a primary rotating body made of sponge and fixed to the shaft of the primary motor, and a secondary rotating body made of sponge and fixed to the shaft of the secondary motor, with the circumferential surfaces of both primary and secondary rotating bodies coming into contact with each other.

Abstract: In a powder driven fastening tool, a channel is included for feeding a strip of explosive powder cartridges to a firing mechanism. A trigger is included for actuating the firing mechanism, wherein the trigger is movable between a first position and a second position. An advancing lever is pivotally coupled to the tool, the advancing lever having a strip engagement portion for indexing the strip which extends into the channel. An advance link is cammingly engaged with the advancing lever and is operationally associated with the trigger so that the strip engagement portion is in a first position in the channel when the trigger is in the first position and so the strip engagement portion is in a second position when the trigger is in the second position.

Abstract: An improved jaw structure for staple guns that may be disassembled easily from the gun barrel consists of a lower plate pivotally mounting to the barrel of the staple gun and having two retain hooks located thereon, and a slide block movable between the retain hooks having a rear end engaged with a spring. The slide block may be disengaged from the retain hooks by users' pushing, and may engage automatically with the retain hooks by the restoring force of the spring thereby to fasten the lower plate to an upper plate of the staple gun.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for a pneumatic nailer includes a frame having a threaded end on which an end member is threadedly mounted. A spring is biased between the body of the nailer and the frame. An end of a bar is connected to the frame and the other end of the bar is connected to a trigger. A limit member is movably connected to the frame and an engaging member is located on a first end of the limit member. An end member is threadedly mounted to the threaded end and a plurality of notches are defined in an end thereof. The engaging member of the limit member is engaged with on of the notches.