Abstract: A portable fastener delivery system is provided that comprises an automated unloading mechanism that removes fasteners from a fastener storage device and delivers the fasteners through a delivery conduit to a work station. Generally, the portable fastener delivery system is mobile throughout a production facility so that fasteners may be delivered to a plurality of work stations. In operation, a signal is transmitted to a control system requesting a specific fastener configuration, and the control system causes positioning of the unloading mechanism adjacent the fastener storage device. A pneumatic source is then activated to cause the unloading mechanism to remove a fastener from the fastener storage device using a vacuum generator, and once the fastener is removed, the fastener is transported through a delivery conduit to the work station using pressurized air from the pneumatic source through a flexible fastener delivery tube.

Abstract: A commissioning system (1) is provided with product storage compartments (2) vertically to horizontally disposed in a shelf, in which products are stacked. The product right at the bottom of such a stack of a selected product storage compartment can be ejected by a positionable ejector unit (4) in a direction transverse to the shelf. The inventive system is further characterized in that the shelf (5) is configured as a frame/component system, especially as a frame and plug-in modules system, which comprises modular elements. The shelf is variable in terms of height, width and/or length and can optionally be extended by adding modular elements.

Abstract: An insulated beverage dispenser (10) with an outer housing (24) having reinforcing cavities (86) and reinforcing ribs (88) on a canted surface (92) of a top closure (78) to resist distortion that is fitted over an integrally formed inner liner (48) in spaced relationship to provide a gap (52) that is evacuated to approximately 8% of standard atmospheric pressure. The bottom closure (62) of the inner liner (48) is symmetrically tilted downwardly across the center to a center-offset drain opening (76) to reduce the lateral extent (137) of a dispense tube (136) to reduce the quantity of beverage contained within the dispense tube (136) and subject to heat loss between the drain opening (76) to and a faucet (20). The dispense tube (136) is protectively contained within a hollow bottom section (25) for purposes of insulation and is also wrapped in foam insulation (139) for further insulation.

Abstract: A spring-controlled snap action valve assembly and an apparatus for dispensing pressurized liquid using the valve assembly, the apparatus including a connection to a source of pressurized liquid, a spring-controlled snap action ball valve assembly including a snap action ball valve, an inlet and an outlet, a conduit in fluid communication from the connection to the valve assembly inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly outlet, and an actuator connected to the valve assembly to actuate the snap action ball valve from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser (10) having a hollow body (22)for retention of a beverage and a faucet (42) with a dispenser base assembly (46) has a removable drip tray assembly (28) slidably mounted to horizontally extending base support members(54, 56) usually used for receipt of drips of beverage from the faucet (42) and a backup drip tray (148) fixedly mounted to the support member beneath the removable drip tray assembly to catch drips when the removable drip tray assembly is removed for emptying and cleaning. The drip tray assembly (28) has a drip sink (68) covered by a grate panel (84) having a plurality of elongate, parallel, grate members each with a pointed peak (98) and a pair of opposed substantially flat sides (100, 102) sloping downwardly away from the peak to guide beverage downwardly away from the peak for retention by the drip plate (84).

Abstract: An insulated beverage dispenser (10) with an outer housing (24) having reinforcing cavities (86) and reinforcing ribs (88) on a canted surface (92) of a top closure (78) to resist distortion that is fitted over an integrally formed inner liner (48) in spaced relationship to provide a gap (52) that is evacuated to approximately 8% with a bottom having an asymmetrically tilted downwardly to a center-offset drain opening (76) to reduce the lateral extent of a dispense tube (136) reduce heat loss from the drain opening to a faucet 20.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (20) with a top assembly (26) having a pivotally mounted closure cover (50) with an inlet access opening (56) and a stopper (54) of contrasting color pivotally mounted to the underside of the closure cover (50) for movement between a closed position (FIGS. 2, 5) in which the stopper (54) extends through the inlet access opening (56) to block the access opening (56) and to prevent movement of the dispenser (20) beneath a brew basket (58) of an associated brewer (60) for receipt of beverage, and an open position (FIG. 2) in which the stopper (54) held against the underside of the cover closure (50) and spaced from the access opening (56). The closure cover is pivotally mounted to a cover base (62) and is limited in movement by a carry handle (52) when in a lowered position, and is removable for cleaning and removal of a funnel assembly (70) to enable access to the interior through a funnel mounting hole (66) for cleaning.

Abstract: A mechanically pressurized aerosol dispensing system comprising a cap which houses a piston, an actuator moveably attached to the cap, forming together with the cap a dispensing head assembly, and an expandable elastic reservoir. The system is fitted over a standard container holding a liquid product, and includes a dip tube assembly to draw liquid into the dispensing head assembly, where the contents are released through the dispensing head assembly, via the aerosol nozzle and valve. A twist of the threaded cap raises a piston, thereby opening a charging chamber within the dispensing head assembly. This creates a vacuum with the resulting suction pulling the product up through the dip tube to fill the charging chamber. Twisting the cap in the opposite direction lowers the piston in a downstroke which closes the charging chamber, forcing the product into the expandable elastic reservoir where it is then discharged through the nozzle.

Abstract: A pouring spout for liquid containers to allow for a dosed and continuous ventilation of the container interior and thus a regular pouring of the liquid independent of the degree of tilt of the container, includes a ring-shaped upper part and a tubular segment attached to the ring-shaped upper part and having at least one ventilation opening through which the air enters in a dosed manner. Provided in the lower part of the tubular segment is a partition which extends on an inner side of the tubular segment in substantial parallel relationship to the tubular segment and is connected laterally with the tubular segment. The partition wall has an upper part distal bottom wall for connection to the tubular segment to form a so-called air trap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a sealing device (4) which has an outlet opening, a valve (8), and a seat (7) for cooperation with said valve (8), the valve (8) being movable by means of a fluid conduit (12) with respect to the seat (7) from a first position (I), in which the valve (8) rests against the seat (7) so as to close the container (1), into a second position (II), in which the valve (8) is free from the seat (7) so as to open the container, wherein resilient means (18) are provided for exerting a force on the valve (8) in at least a direction from the second position (II) to the first position (I) of the valve (8). The resilient means (18) close the valve (8) again by means of a resilient force in a direction from the second position to the first position of the valve (8). The container can thus be sealed in a reliable and efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lace-up device, adapted to equip a footwear (CH), which makes it possible to tie the lace tightly without bruising the hands.

Abstract: A holder for a concealed handgun includes a resilient clip removeably attachable to a wearer's belt or waistband. Attached to the clip and supported thereby is a support strap which extends downward from the clip inside a wearer's pants or other garment. A Velcro® patch on a lower end of the support strap attaches to a matching patch attached to the grip of the handgun; the handgun has patches on either grip, allowing the handgun to be worn on either side of a person's body. A holder strap is sewn or otherwise attached to the support strap at approximately a right angle; the holder strap includes Velcro® tabs or patches so that it can be wrapped around the grip of a handgun to secure the handgun within the holder strap. Pulling upward on the clip removes both holder and handgun from within the wearer's clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging fasteners such as screws, that is to be worn by a user. The packaging device includes a tray with a plurality of wells, each well accommodating the shank of a respective fastener. An attachment device is used for securing a tray to a user. In a preferred dispensing method, fasteners may be dispensed from the tray using a magnetized screwdriver bit which is placed over the head of the fastener, followed by withdrawing the screwdriver bit with the fastener magnetically attached.

Abstract: An automatic toll detector case, formed of flexible material, has sidewalls, front and rear walls, a bottom wall, and a folding cover. The cover folds so that an extended portion of the rear wall folds over the open top of the case to enclose the toll detector. The cover is fastened to the case by a hook and eye fastener. The case is mounted to the interior of the vehicle's windshield by suction cups attached to the flexible material of the case with an E clip.

Abstract: An improved backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly includes a selectively accessible bag interior, and is defined by top, front, side, back and bottom panels, as is well known in the art. The backpack assembly also includes a pair of shoulder straps each having one end attached to the back panel of the bag at a location adjacent to the top panel, and a second end attached to the bag at a location adjacent to the bottom panel. The back panel of the bag includes a transparent plastic cover and inside wall for defining a pocket sized for receiving any of a plurality of distinct visual display inserts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for carrying, storing, and deterring the theft of elongate recreational boards such as snowboards, skis, skateboards, surfboards, and sailboards and the like.

Abstract: A waistbelt for stabilizing a load, the load potentially carried within a backpack. The waistbelt may be worn around a user's waist and fastened together by a locking buckle. The waistbelt may be attached to a backpack, as part of a backpack system, by straps that are directly affixed to the waistbelt. The waistbelt may comprise padding that rests on the user's hips. A support region of the waistbelt can minimize shifting and swaying of the load carried in a backpack. The support region of the waistbelt may be extendable, and may be extended by movably attached waistbelt extensions. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon provide extendable support for varying waist sizes. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon support from buckling straps, thereby potentially reducing chafing, abrasions, and fatigue to the user.

Abstract: A hip belt (100) is disclosed having split left (130) and right (150) portions. The upper legs (131, 151) and lower legs (132,152) of the split portions are attached to adjustable straps (180, 184) such that the belt tension is distributed to both the upper and lower portions to facilitate a snug fit to the user. Transverse members (200) interconnect the respective upper and lower legs, maintaining the desired leg spacing. The transverse members are semi-rigid, flexible members, allowing the split belt to readily conform to the user's profile. Fastening the transverse members along the outer edges of the belt permits the legs to rotate to better conform to the user. In an embodiment of the hip belt (300) a plurality of transverse members are distributed along the length of the split portion of the belt.

Abstract: A tablet cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a conveyor 20 for conveying a tablet in a horizontal transport direction; a cutter 22, disposed above the conveyor 20, for cutting a notch in the tablet disposed on the conveyor 20; a divider roller 23, disposed downstream of the cutter 22 above the conveyor 20, for dividing the tablet into two halves along the notch formed by the cutter 22; and a collecting chamber or box 47, 54 for collecting halves of the tablets that have been divided by the divider roller 23. Thus, after notching the tablet by the cutter 22, the tablet is divided into two by the divider roller 23, whereby the tablet is precisely split into halves and collected into the collecting chamber or box 47, 54.

Abstract: A tensioning device used in pulling off cover films, and a component feed module including the tensioning device, includes a force sensor for measuring a pull-off force applied to the cover film. The force sensor is coupled to a control device, by which the film drive can be controlled to control the pull-off force of the cover film in such a way that the pull-off force is kept substantially constant.

Abstract: A controller of running tension of paper web for rotary press including a paper feed unit 1 and a printing unit 2 provided with a printing cylinder 21 rotating according to an operation speed command, having an in-feed roller 4 provided in a running path of paper web W from a paper roll 11 of the paper feed unit 1 to the printing cylinder 21, a dancer roller device 5 for detecting a displacement amount of a dancer roller 51 relative to a reference position of the dancer roller 51 and absorbing variations of running tension of the paper web W by the displacement, and a tension control processing unit S1 for performing signal generation processing to optimize the peripheral speed of the in-feed roller 4 with respect to the peripheral speed of the printing cylinder 21 based on the displacement amount of the dancer roller 51 and the operation speed command.

Abstract: A control unit of hydraulic pinch rolls 1 comprises: position detectors 10c, 10d that detect position of right and left cylinder pistons 6c; an arithmetical unit 13 that calculates a difference of output 16c, 16d from the position detectors; a controller 14 that processes a calculated value to make correction output; and add-subtract units 18c, 18d that add/subtract the correction output from the controller such that the correction output 17 is added to an end portion of the pinch rolls having a wider gap in a direction to push the gap and the correction output of the same amount is subtracted from the opposite end portion, by which the set values of pressing force control provided for right and left independently are corrected. Thus, a defective winding shape can be suppressed.

Abstract: A combustion powered fastener driving tool includes a cylinder head and a cylinder defining a combustion chamber, a nosepiece assembly connected to the cylinder and defining a drive track for accommodating a reciprocating driver blade powered by combustion in the combustion chamber, a fastener advancing mechanism associated with the nosepiece assembly for feeding a supply of fasteners to said drive track and a delivery apparatus for providing a supply of gas from the combustion chamber for actuating the fastener advancing mechanism. The fastener advancing mechanism is configured for receiving fasteners from a coil magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus for friction welding a first element to a second element includes a forge assembly having a table defining a platform, a crank, a forge link and a reaction link disposed oppositely of the forge link relative to the platform. Various construction details are disclosed that provide a friction welder that minimizes bending in the forge and motion planes and enhances repeatability of the welds performed. In a specific embodiment, the friction welder may be used in a method to form integrally bladed rotors and further includes a reciprocal motion assembly adapted to generate motion between the elements being welded, a gripper and an base tool. The reciprocal motion assembly includes a servo hydraulic actuator having a hydraulic column frequency greater than the frequency of reciprocation. The gripper is a device for use with bonding an airfoil to the rotor. The base tool is a device for mounting and positioning the rotor for the bonding operations.

Abstract: A method of repairing cracks, imperfections, and the like in a cast article of superalloy composition having a directionally oriented microstructure and growth axis. An aperture, usually frustois created in the article in the location of the crack or imperfection. A plug, having a second directionally oriented microstructure having a directional microstructure with a growth axis and a superalloy composition substantially identical to the article superalloy composition, is created. Such plug further possesses an inner end, an outer end, and a surface therebetween. The plug is inserted into the aperture whereby the plug growth axis is oriented in alignment with the article growth axis. Bonding material is applied between the surfaces of the plug and the aperture, before or after insertion of the plug into the aperture. The article is thereafter heated such that the bonding material joins the surface of the plug and the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing solder adhering to an LSI. In this method, a plate-shaped first member for causing molten solder to adhere thereto is mounted on top of a heater. An LSI is placed on top of the first member with the surface on which solder is attached facing downward. A second member for adding a load to the LSI is placed on top of the LSI. The heater is heated up to heat the first member and the LSI, and to melt the solder. The molten solder is transferred to the first member. A suction mechanism is positioned at a location a predetermined distance away from the top surface of the second member. The second member and the LSI are attracted by the suction mechanism, and the LSI is pulled away from the first member. The solder is thereby removed from the LSI.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging method using lead-free solder, characterized by including a reflow-soldering step in which a surface mount device is soldered to a circuit board with a lead-free solder paste; an inserting step in which the lead or terminal of a insertion mount device is inserted into the circuit board; a step in which a warp preventing jig is attached to the circuit board; a flux applying step in which flux is applied to the foregoing circuit board; a preheating step in which, after applying flux, the lower surface of the circuit board is preheated; a flow-soldering step in which the upper surface of the circuit board the lower surface of which was preheated in the preheating step is heated, and by applying lead-free solder paste to the lower surface of the circuit board, the lead or terminal of the insertion mount device is flow-soldered to the circuit board; and a temperature controlling step where temperatures of both surfaces of a circuit board are adjusted, the upper surface of the

Abstract: A process for producing a solder sheet with a bump grid array includes the step of molding a sheet of solder material in a mold having two mold halves. Each of the mold halves is formed with an array of first recesses. At least one of the mold halves is further formed with a plurality of second recesses interconnecting adjacent pairs of the first recesses. Each of the first recesses has a depth deeper than that of the second recesses. The first recesses of one of the mold halves are registered with the first recesses of the other of the mold halves such that the first and second recesses of the mold halves cooperatively form a mold cavity defining the shape of the molded solder sheet when the mold halves are brought toward each other to close the mold.

Abstract: This invention is an envelope that can be laterally extended to accommodate articles of varying length. The envelope is formed from a single blank in one pass in a continuous manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A mailer type business form, including: first, second, third and fourth panels defining a sheet prior to folding the form, the first, second and third panels being substantially the same size and shape and being interconnected at first and second panel fold lines in a manner that enables the first, second and third panels to be z-folded onto each other. The first panel includes outgoing address indicia on a lower portion of the front surface of the first panel. The fourth panel is interconnected to the third panel at a third fold line, and the fourth panel is shorter than the first panel by an amount that causes the fourth panel to extend to a location that is just slightly above the outgoing address indicia on the first panel when folded against the first panel.

Abstract: According to the practice of this invention, the noted unwanted adhesion between the second panel and the first panel attendant the formation of the sideseam joint is eliminated by providing the second panel with a cutout. That portion which is cut out corresponds in form to the triangular cutout or truncated portion at the tapered end of the sideseam forming fifth panel. In this way, when compression of the first panel against the sideseam panel and the first panel occurs, there is no hot and sticky exposed area of the first panel which will adhere to the second panel.

Abstract: A ballot secrecy sleeve is presented which is used to cover a ballot once it has been marked by the voter. The secrecy sleeve has a top and a bottom and a narrow shoulder at one end as well as a slot for pushing the ballot once it has been inserted into the ballot scanning machine. The ballot secrecy sleeve covers the entire ballot except for a small portion of the ballot that protrudes out of the secrecy sleeve. The ballot is placed within the sleeve. The ballot and sleeve are then placed into the scanning machine ballot slot. Once the ballot and sleeve are in place, the voter pushes the upper end of the ballot using the cutout so that the ballot is fed onto the receiving and advancing rollers of the machine. The ballot is then fed into the scanning and tabulating portion of the machine while it is completely hidden by either the ballot machine slot cover or the ballot secrecy sleeve.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith, The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”) used for invoking one or more restrictions on use of the SCN, a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The TIB can be used by the money source to determine which of multiple account numbers associated with the first entity should be used for the first transaction. The money source can also use the TIB to determine whether the device which generated the SCN has a changed status condition, such as a low battery condition or an invalid user entry status.

Abstract: Method for updating time-limited parameters (50), in particular lists of blocked user chip-cards, in offline chip-card terminals (5), in which said parameters are updated with the user chip-cards (4) used in said offline chip-card terminal (5).

Abstract: A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message.

Abstract: An electronic trash disposal unit comprises a control unit which scans and identifies disposed items to store them in an appropriate recycling bin. The unit is connectable to a communication network which updates a central database with the contents of each unit. The unit initiates a reorder instruction to suppliers.

Abstract: A computer-based system for taking the physical inventory of beverages dispensed in full and partially full containers so as to effectively control the theft and overpouring. The products to be inventoried, such as liquor bottles are identified by conventional barcodes that can be scanned by a scanner that is operably interconnected with a hand-held computer. The step of scanning the barcodes produces, on the touch-sensitive screen of the hand-held computer, product information concerning the product contained within the scanned bottle including a silhouette of the bottle. In accomplishing the inventory, the user indicates by touching on the silhouette of the bottle the fluid level within the bottle. This information is inputted in the computer data storage and is used to calculate the volume of beverage remaining in the bottle.

Abstract: A voting apparatus, system and method may provide data redundancy in that each vote is recorded by two or more independent and verifiable means: i.e. by recording in one or more electronic memory devices included in the voting machine and/or system, and/or by recording in the memory of a smart card separate from the voting machine and/or system, and/or by a confirmatory printed record for each voter. The system may utilize a unique anonymous voting session identifier to maintain the anonymity of the votes and voters.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment is adapted so that a position of a lens assembly can be finely adjusted relative to a position of an image sensor. A retainer and lens assembly according to the invention are complimentary configured so that the lens assembly is slidably received in the retainer. The retainer include in one embodiment two apertures defined in sidewalls thereof. The first aperture accommodates a fixture pin for use in finely adjusting the position of the lens assembly within the retainer. The second aperture accommodates an adhesive material for adhesively bonding the lens assembly to the retainer. Adhesive material may further be applied in the first aperture.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith, The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

Abstract: An novel system and method of accessing information resources located on the Internet, and for composing and printing lists and menus of URL-encoded bar code symbols representing Web-sites. The Internet Access System of the illustrative embodiments include a bar code symbol reader programmed to read URL-encoded bar code symbols printed on various types of objects, including print media which, when read thereby, automatically connects the associated Client Computer System to the Internet Server hosting the information resource specified by the scanned URL-encoded bar code symbol. The bar-code driven Internet Access System of the present invention can be used to facilitate diverse types of operations including Internet surfing, package delivery, document tracking, information access, and the like.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes one or more security devices embedded on one of the two surfaces, or between the two surfaces, of a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD) to impede the counterfeiting of the disc. The security devices may be, for example, holograms, optically variable devices (OVD) or RFID chips. CD/DVD is an authorized (non-pirated) version of a manufacturer's product. A system embodying the invention includes a player/reader which contains means for sensing selected characteristics of the security devices embedded on or within a CD/DVD and which is programmed to ascertain that the CD/DVD is in fact a valid document. Another aspect of the invention may include encrypting apparatus for reading/sensing selected characteristics of security device(s) and for annotating the disc and/or the security device(s) with corresponding information.

Abstract: A fluid fill system includes at least one sensor for indicating whether a fluid level in a reservoir is equal to or greater than a predetermined fluid level and a process control. The process control obtains a reading from the at least one sensor at a predetermined interval and increments a counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is equal to or greater than the predetermined fluid level and decrements the counter if the reading indicates that the fluid level is less than the predetermined fluid level. Process control operates a fluid supply mechanism when a value of the counter moves beyond a predetermined value.

Abstract: A two-block concrete railroad tie for a fixed rail carriageway with an at least partially continuous reinforcement, which is exposed between the blocks and, after alignment, engages the sealing compound over a supporting layer, becoming anchored in it, the blocks being provided with a mounting surface, which is shortened in the longitudinal direction and from which slanting side surfaces extend upward at least at the front side.

Abstract: A system for dispersing a scent and marking a trail useful in hunting and other outdoor endeavors is provided, the system providing for easily positioning a self-fastening scent dispenser and marker to a preselected structure as well as the person and apparel of a user. The apparatus includes a camouflage cover so that the apparatus can easily be concealed when in use. A reflector can also be included, however, so that the apparatus can be located in the dark using a generated light beam, while also protecting the user by identifying the user to other hunters in the area. Methods are also provided to permit a hunter or hiker to readily attach the self-fastening scent dispenser and trail marker as the user moves along a trail during a hunt, hike, or other outdoor excursion.

Abstract: A sprayer that includes two pressurized tanks physically and fluidly coupled to each other is disclosed. One tank is inverted with respect to the other so that the top of one tank is adjacent to the bottom of the other tank, and vice versa. One tank contains a propellant such as carbon dioxide and the other contains a tear agent or other chemical irritant. The invention includes a shut-off valve adapted to regulate the flow of the chemical, and a dispensing head for accurate, controllable delivery.