Abstract: A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.

Abstract: A twist closure means for a container has a screw cap, which includes an inner cylinder and a cutting edge extending from the inner cylinder, and a supply container rotatably arrangeable on the inner cylinder. The supply container includes a supply container bottom and a pocket extending from the supply container bottom for accommodation of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A device for dispensing carbonated beverages and collapsing the containers for the beverages.

Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a flowable fluid which has a first liquid and a second liquid disposed within a single chamber and which are separated and positioned one above the other. The container includes a bottle base, a bottle body which extends upward from the bottle base to a bottle finish, a fitment having a pouring spout and is arranged on the bottle body at an end opposite the base. The fitment has a first pouring opening from which a first liquid is dispensed and a second opening from which a second liquid is dispensed. A diptube is connected to one of the pouring openings projects downward from toward the bottle base. The diptube conveys the liquid on the bottom to a pouring spout while the liquid on top is conveyed to the pouring spout by the other pouring opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid soap dispensing apparatus having a counter-top mounting system that makes it possible to securely anchor the liquid dispensing device to a surface such as a counter-top and still allow easy removal for portability, so the dispenser can be transported and used in other areas. The apparatus also allows the soap reservoir to be easily refilled and utilizes readily available pump components.

Abstract: Volumetric enclosure(s) provides methods and/or apparatus for teaching, generating and deriving supply chain efficiency improvement. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) methods and/or apparatus provide for deriving and generating efficiency by volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar material(s) and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of material having dissimilar origin. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) interposed for cooperative coaptaion and flow path communication/continuity between gradient matrix flow paths for volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing dissimilar materials, and volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing of materials of dissimilar origin.

Abstract: A water treatment tank for use with water purification apparatus including an ultra-violet lamp within a bulb onto which incoming water is directed to provide a thin laminar flow about the bulb. The tank may have two compartments, one above the other, formed by a separating baffle. The lower compartment has cooling coils about the walls for cooling the water therein relative to the water in the upper compartment. The ultraviolet lamp and a bulb extends through both compartments and the baffle to purify the water. A controller operates a switch to turn the normally off UV lamp on before opening a fill valve to replenish water in the tank. The lamp is turned off after a first run time. The water level is sensed by a low and high level limit which allow for a volume of water in the tank which may be utilized without necessitating operation of the lamp upon each dispensing of water from the tank.

Abstract: A device for holding and dispensing a fluid for decontaminating a condensate drip pan of an air conditioner includes:

Abstract: The invention provides a pump of the type comprising a body (1) having a bottom portion for communicating with a dip tube (2) via an admission valve and a top portion for connection to the edge of a container (R) and itself containing a metering chamber (10) closed in leaktight manner on top by compression means provided with an exhaust valve and with a return member, and suitable for being actuated by manual thrust being applied to a dispenser head (T) provided with a delivery duct (C),

Abstract: A laminated end disk construction for food sauce dispensing cartridges and other food containers. A laminated end disk through which food sauce may be dispensed is provided with a valve layer and a support layer. The valve layer includes a plurality of valves, and the support layer includes one or more openings and a kiss cut defining an outer perimeter area and an inner area. A protective patch may be removably attached to the support layer along at least a portion of the outer perimeter. The invention also provides a laminated end disk wherein the ratio of the support area to the dispensing area is less than about 7.

Abstract: Automatic device for actuating aerosol valves of conventional aerosol containers, for controllably spraying doses of a liquid contained in the containers, the device comprising a main support for mounting onto the aerosol container and a valve for connecting to the aerosol valve, the valve being operated by a motor capable of automatically opening and closing the valve according to a desired spraying pattern for providing doses of sprayed liquid through a nozzle in the main support.

Abstract: A vertical blade in the spout of a container, on the inside lip of a container or across the top diameter of a container. The blade forms a triangle in the center of the spout. In a spoutless container, the blade extends from the top lip horizontally inside the container for up to two inches, then diagonally down to the inside of the container. Placed across the diameter of a container, the top of the blade is flush with the top of the container and extends down to a maximum of two inches, making a rectangle across the container. Splattering is prevented because liquid is cut, then pulled toward the center. Cohesion pulls liquid toward the blade. Adhesion brings the liquid together after it passes the blade.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for converting the load compartment of a vehicle into a tank for carrying liquids comprises a removable cover assembly configured to cover an upper opening of the load compartment. A pump, which can be mounted to the cover assembly, is provided for pumping liquid from the load compartment. The outlet of the pump may be fluidly connected to a discharge conduit, which may be coupled to the cover assembly. The discharge conduit desirably extends at least partially inside the cover assembly. An opening may be defined in the cover assembly for introducing liquid into the load compartment.

Abstract: A safety container, specifically for transporting, storing, and dispensing metallo-organic substances which is sealingly closed by a lid at the upper side wherein the lid has a closable feed port and two pipe line portions are adapted to be selectively connected to the interior of the container by means of a valve assembly, wherein a valve block is adapted to be attached to the lid via a bolted joint such that two openings of the valve block are aligned with lid openings and are in a sealed communication with each other, and that the valve block has two valve members adapted to be actuated from outside via a controller which selectively connect one each of the pipe line portions sealingly mounted on the valve block to an associated lid opening.

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger is provided which includes a body, a pair of fixed arms extending from the body, such that an upper end of each fixed arm includes a guide rail, and a mid-section of each fixed arm includes an indexing track. The adjustable garment hanger also includes a pair of telescoping arms slidingly disposed on the guide rail for each fixed arm, wherein the telescoping arm includes two side walls joined by an upper wall, and a plurality of opposed indexing arms that travel in the indexing track of the fixed wall to retain a position of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm. The adjustable garment hanger further includes a stop integral with the fixed arm for limiting the travel of the fixed arm relative to the telescoping arm in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A bike carrier which includes a U-shaped frame structure having an intermediate section and first and second leg sections. A first rail is supported by the frame structure and laterally spans between said first and second legs and extends out past at least one of said legs and preferably both in cantilever fashion. A carrier mount having a frame attachment device and a vehicle attachment device is provided for securing the U-shaped frame to a vehicle. Additionally preferably provided is a securement device supported by the U-shaped frame and extending upwardly from that frame. The securement device includes a lock receptor at an upper end for enabling locking of a bike to the carrier and provides an additional strap down location. Preferably a pair of bike support rails are spaced apart along the legs and each extend laterally out away from opposite outer sides of said legs to provide cantilever extensions to each side of the U-shaped frame structure.

Abstract: A container for transporting articles that transforms into a ballistic protection unit includes a bag and a detachable panel. The bag includes a first compartment for containment of at least one piece of ballistic shield material. The detachable panel also contains at least one piece of ballistic shield material and is coupled to the bag by at least a first strap. The detachable panel is detachably coupled to the bag. During use, the user may detach the detachable panel from the bag and the bag may be placed over a shoulder of the user, protecting the user from high speed projectiles.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual paper towel segments from a continuous roll of paper provided with spaced lines of tearing comprises a housing, a support for the roll of paper, a feed mechanism, and a control device. The control device senses the presence of a user to activate the feed mechanism, controls the amount of material which is dispensed from the housing for any one cycle, and prevents further dispensing of the paper until the previous segment is separated from the roll. The control device detects the leading edge of the paper to initiate monitoring of the length of paper to be dispensed to prevent any cumulative error in dispensing the segments.

Abstract: According to this invention, in a device for supplying wrap film, by drawing out a wrap film from a wrap film container and cutting off, a user makes a sheetlike wrap film guide that has the property of adhering to the wrap film is adhered to the end part of the wrap film, and drawing out them in one body almost over the width. Thus the user can further easily, hygienically and safely cut the wrap film.

Abstract: A web speed metering device to which a moving web is fed at a constant web infeed speed and from which the web periodically exits at a different speed that is correlated with the timing of a downstream operation performed on the moving web. The metering device is a rotatable member that is non-axisymmetric and that has a cross-sectional shape having a centroid that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member to change the web output speed as the web exits from the metering device. The metering device allows a web to be fed to a downstream cutting device and enables the web output speed to be regulated so that the web as it leaves the metering device can be cut transversely by a non-instantaneous cut that takes place over a predetermined machine-direction distance, such as a chevron-shaped cut.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing enclosing a fastener driving portion and a handle connected to the fastener driving portion. A pair of clamshells is configured to form an ergonomic grip over the handle and also forming a fastener magazine, such that the ergonomic grip and the magazine are integral in each clamshell. The clamshells are secured to the fastener driving portion and an endcap without the use of special fasteners. A belt hook is available which releasably attaches to either side of the tool.

Abstract: A nail gun and depth control spacer assembly for ejecting nails into a substrate which contains two or more layers of roofing materials one of which is a compressible fibrous layer. The nails penetrate the substrate but are prevented by the depth control spacer from permanently compressing the compressible fibrous layer which springs back to is original thickness after completion of the nailing process. The depth control spacer, attached to the base of the nail gun, is of semi-oval configuration having a pressure sensitive layer and a solid layer, is provided with an oval cavity in its center portion through which the nails are ejected into the substrate.

Abstract: A point driver is provided that comprises a body, a selectively operable actuator, a pushplate connected to the actuator, and a head. The head includes a channel disposed between a first section and a second section. At least a segment of the channel follows an arcuate path. The head is aligned with the actuator so that a portion or all of the pushplate can be driven by the selectively operable actuator through at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a full-thickness resection system comprising a flexible endoscope and a stapling mechanism, wherein the endoscope is slidably received through at least a portion of the stapling mechanism. The stapling mechanism includes an anvil and a stapling head mounted to the anvil so that the anvil and the stapling head are moveable with respect to one another. A position adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the anvil and the stapling head relative to one another.

Abstract: A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

Abstract: A method of joining metal and ceramic parts, wherein an alumina forming metal part and a ceramic part are provided. A braze material in placed between the alumina forming metal part and the ceramic part, and the combination is then heated in an oxidizing atmosphere, preferably in air at a temperature of between 500° C. and 1300° C. The alumina forming metal parts are selected from the group consisting of high temperature stainless steels, such as Durafoil (alpha-4), Fecralloy, Alumina-coated 430 stainless steel and Crofer-22APU, and high temperature superalloys such as Haynes 214, Nicrofer 6025, and Ducraloy. The braze material is selected as a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, preferably Ag—CuO, Ag—V2O5, and Pt—Nb2O5, and more preferably between 30.65 to 100 mole % Ag in CuO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the formation of the intermetallic compounds in solder joints, The types of the intermetallic compounds between the SnAgCu solders and the Ni-bearing substrate can be controlled by adjusting the copper concentration in the SnAgCu solders. If the SnAgCu solder has a copper concentration higher than or equivalent to 0.6 wt. %, the soldering intermetallic compound includes a continuous (Cu1−xNix)6Sn5 layer. If the copper concentration of the SnAgCu solders is lower than or equivalent to 0.4 wt. %, the soldering intermetallic compound includes a continues (Ni1−yCuy)3Sn4 layer and a non-continuous (Cu1−xNix)6Sn5 layer. If the copper concentration of the SnAgCu solders is between 0.4 wt. % to 0.6 wt.

Abstract: Method of welding metal wherein a crack to be welded is surrounded with a flux in a substantially water-free environment and welded. The flux acts as backing for the welding operation and permits the welding to be carried out in the absence of an inert gas purge or metallic backing pre-placed on the weld.

Abstract: A solder reflow system is disclosed that includes a substrate, a solder pad disposed upon the substrate, an optical component disposed upon the solder pad, and a laser positioned above the substrate with laser output focused sufficiently close to the solder pad to reflow the solder when the laser is powered. Also disclosed is a method for reflowing a solder joint, including: providing an optical component assembly including a substrate, a solder pad disposed upon the substrate, solder disposed upon the solder pad, and an optical component disposed upon the solder pad; providing a laser; positioning the laser above the substrate with laser output focused sufficiently close to the solder pad, instead of directly over the solder pad; and powering the laser, thereby transferring energy through the substrate into the solder pad, and reflowing the solder.

Abstract: A container is formed by a single side wall wrapped around to complete an enclosed space. The package is produced with a barrier board including co-extruded polymers, mono-extruded polymers and/or films. The package may or may not have raw edge protection. The container uses a paperboard cup technology to create a bottom. The packages will be able to easily hold 64 and 96 fluid ounces and use a design very different from the conventional gable top container. The paper packages produced will cost less than plastic packages made with barrier materials.

Abstract: Corrugated container assemblies, such as bulk bins, that include corrugated container bodies and drain fitment retainers. In one embodiment, a corrugated container assembly includes a rectangular corrugated container body having a bottom portion and a top portion. A rectangular liner tray is installed within the container body toward the bottom portion. A flexible and impervious liner is installed on the liner tray within the container body for containing liquid contents, and includes a drain fitment for dispensing the liquid contents. In one aspect of this embodiment, the container body includes a corner structure that can facilitate folding. In another aspect of this embodiment, the liner tray includes a fitment retainer that can accessibly position the drain fitment and at least restrict the drain fitment from moving or rotating.

Abstract: A container body with a container opening and a flap partially secured to the container body and completely covering the container opening is disclosed. The flap is secured to the container by a hinge or fold line and formed from the same substrate as the container body. The container body contains a first magnetic region adjacent to and surrounding the perimeter of the container opening. The flap contains a second magnetic region aligned with and opposite the container body's first magnetic region. The first and second magnetic regions are magnetically attracted to each other. The flap is held in a closed position by magnetic attraction between the flap's magnetic region and the container body's magnetic region.

Abstract: A container having an internal corner support for increasing the stacking strength of the container. The container has multiple wall panels. The internal corner support includes first and second panel sections attached pivotally to one another and which are adjacent a corner of the container for providing additional stacking support.

Abstract: A coin receptacle assembly for vending machines. A funnel unit is positioned in the machine and a coin receptacle unit is adapted to be removably mounted on the funnel unit. The coin receptacle unit includes a secure door which is movable between an open position when the coin receptacle unit is mounted on the funnel unit, and a closed position when the units are separated. A lock arm engages against the secure door when the units are separated to prevent the secure door from being opened by an unauthorized person.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing mail is provided. A mailbox is loaded with mail and closed. A decontamination process is performed over a predetermined period of time. An indicator communicates the status of the decontamination process.

Abstract: A preferable embodiment of an Internet check according to the present invention comprises a check symbol for indicating a kind of a check, a bank symbol for indicating a bank issuing the check, an issued date symbol for indicating the issued date, an issued number symbol for indicating an issued number of the check, an issue-price symbol for indicating the price of the issued check, a password symbol for indicating a password of the issued check. And each of these symbols consists of characters or numbers or figures or symbols or a combination of these, and these symbols do not have any real shape and are used in electronic commerce based on the Internet.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: A point-of-transaction machine that allows global users to reach all aspects of their finances, from their brokerage account to their banks, mortgage accounts, credit card accounts and more. Unlike conventional ATMs where you can only reach your bank account(s), the initial screen when signed on will give the global user options on which account or accounts they want to transact business. This initial screen will satisfy the banking, mortgage, and security law requirements of most countries, including those of the United States and Canada where such companies are required to be independent. The point-of-transaction machine will collect fees for each transaction, similar to current ATM usage fee agreements and will allow certain users to complete transactions without fees.

Abstract: The application describes a method for utilizing smart card technology with computer-based training systems. Training and simulation data, including, but not limited to, personal and/or team training profiles, instructor information, training parameters, and simulation scenarios can be stored on the smart card for retrieval prior to future training activities. New training results can be added to existing results to track individual trainee or team progress. The computer-based training may be graphical, completely or partially simulated, or textual. The cards may also store information in the form of a database, which can be used to increase the flexibility of training scenarios.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining and storing information in an integrated circuit card is provided for use in a transaction over different environments. The card includes a memory unit having data records including formatted and unformatted fields, preferably comprising a name field, a data field and a security level field. The formatted fields are accessible, using generic labels and the unformatted fields are accessible using a non-generic label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of an individual to other entities. A certifying authority verifies the identity of an individual. Upon authentication, the certifying authority issues a multiple purpose card with the individual's information, a public key and a private key associated with the user. The certifying authority indicates the revoking of the digital certificate by removing it from the access active list.

Abstract: A method includes the step of receiving by a server from a reader terminal, recorded information image data and an ID of a contactless IC chip mounted on the recording medium; the step of linking the ID of the IC chip to the recorded information image data and recording them in a database; the step of receiving, from a reader terminal, an ID of a contactless IC chip mounted on a recording media to be checked as confirmation information; and the step of making a search, according to the ID received as the confirmation information from the reader terminal, through the database for recorded information image data corresponding to the ID and transmitting the recorded information image data to an output terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for a kiosk to present a kiosk item, e.g., document, money, merchandise, credit card, to a customer. A determination may be made as to whether the customer is currently present via an infrared device configured to detect the presence of a customer. If the customer is not present, then the kiosk item, e.g., document, money, merchandise, credit card, may not be presented to the customer. By not presenting the kiosk item, security/privacy may be improved since the next customer would not be able to obtain the kiosk item that was never presented to an unavailable customer.

Abstract: An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. These receipts and passes may be printed for each specific user, and may feature a machine-readable bar code. The disclosed machine also includes a bar code reader, allowing users to return printed receipts or passes at the machine, and to receive credit for any unused portion. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. Power consumption is held to a minimum by providing a “sleep” mode.

Abstract: A guest operated front desk processing station is all contained in an upright stand alone housing. The housing contains a touch screen and keyboard for guest inputting information, and a signature pad in an upper portion. The housing front face contains a credit card swipe device for scanning a credit, debit or brand card, a slot for dispensing a receipt from a printer inside the housing and a key slot for dispensing a key card generated by a key making device within the housing. The housing front face also contains a slot for accepting various currency denominations and a slot for dispensing currency change. The processing station is connected by a network data cable to a Property Management System.

Abstract: An electronic price label (ESL) system with having a reduced power consumption ESL is described. In one aspect, the ESL system extends battery life and increases the time between battery replacements by turning off the display segments of an ESL's display at predetermined times, such as, for example, when the store is not open or when the tags are not being viewed by customers. If a blank display is undesirable, due to possible confusion with a malfunctioning ESL or battery outage, then a single segment or a limited number of segments may be turned on. In one aspect, one of an ESL's registers which contains the display contents may be loaded with a “blank” indication, or spaces, which results in the ESL not displaying any text and all of the display segments being turned off.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: A transaction terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, a card reader, an imaging module, and a decode circuit coupled to the imaging module. The imaging module in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends rearward of the housing. In a typical use of the terminal a store clerk can easily move objects into a field of view of the terminal. The transaction terminal can be coupled to a POS network which remotely sends a trigger signal actuating the imaging module when an age-proof-require product is being purchased.