Abstract: A grease gun for lubricating machines, includes a housing having an inlet opening for receiving grease therethrough into the housing and an extrusion opening through which the grease is pushed out to a machine to be lubricated; a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and having an outer surface with external threads thereon; a conveying piston mounted in the housing and partially surrounding the drive shaft, the conveying piston having internal threads for engaging with the threads on the drive shaft; a reversible drive motor rotating the drive shaft so as to cause the piston to move toward and away from the extrusion opening; and a seal associated with the conveying piston for sealing the inlet opening when the piston is moved toward the extrusion opening.

Abstract: Pressurized can with a can body (2), a valve (4) located in a dome (3), a bottom (5) with inset crimp disc (6) and an inner shell (7) positioned on the crimp disc (6) with a closure (8) that can be pried off, a ram (9) with a section inside (9a) and a section outside (9b) of the inner shell (7), and a sealing element (10) on the ram (9), wherein the inner shell (7) is injection molded onto the crimp disc (6), the inner shell (7) has a shaft (13) for the ram (9) that projects through the center of the crimp disc (6) that ends underneath the crimp disc (6), the ram (9) has a sealing element (10) that acts against the shaft (13) and is movable within the shaft (13) and the ram (9) has an inner (14) and an outer (15) limiting element that limit the free path length of the ram (9).

Abstract: A fluid squirt gun includes a linear flow path provided in a barrel, a nozzle at a tip end of the flow path, a valve seat provided in the flow path, a valve element disposed for movement in an axial direction of the flow path to open and close the valve seat, a spring for pressing the valve element in a valve-closing direction, and a trigger for opening and closing the valve element. The valve element includes a forward pressure receiving face on which fluid in the flow path acts in a valve-opening direction in a closed state of a valve and a reverse pressure receiving face on which the fluid acts in the valve-closing direction in the closed state of the valve and both the pressure receiving faces have substantially equal pressure receiving areas.

Abstract: There is provided according to the present invention, a rotary valve cap and container comprising a cap portion having an inner sidewall with guide bosses disposed thereon and a sealing skirt disposed from the top of the cap concentric with the inner sidewall, and a container neck portion having an inner and an outer sidewall, wherein the outer sidewall has an undulating bead thereon, such that said guide bosses engage said undulating bead for raising and lowering said cap such that said sealing skirt is sealably engages said container neck.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for steel continuous casting has two delivery ports opposing each other and has one or more bore reduced portions above the delivery ports in a bore. A bore reduced portion closest to the delivery ports has an elliptical horizontal section, with an elongate direction of the ellipse nearly parallel with a direction of the delivery ports. The bore elliptic reduced portion may include another bore reduced portion second closest to the delivery port, wherein a lower end surface of the bore elliptic reduced portion closest to the delivery port can be 0.3H-2H of a delivery port height H of from an upper end of the delivery port, the spacing to the upper bore elliptic reduced portion being 0.3D-2D of a diameter D of the bore, and moreover a length of each bore reduced portion being 0.5D-5D.

Abstract: A garment hanger which is suitable for packaging and merchandising intimate apparel such as ladies panties. The garment hanger is formed as one integrally molded plastic piece which includes a main body about which the apparel is folded by a pair of foldable arms which extend from opposite sides of the main body. The apparel is initially secured to the garment hanger by resilient retainer clips formed on the distal ends of the foldable arms which are initially outstretched, and then the apparel and the arms are simultaneously folded about the main body of the garment hanger. The garment hanger also includes locking tabs formed on the main body of the garment hanger which engage the folded arms, and function to retain the folded garment and arms in a folded shape which is suitable for retail display and merchandising of the apparel.

Abstract: A hydration system with an improved fluid reservoir. A drinking tube extends from an outlet port of the reservoir and includes a distal end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a relatively large-diameter fill port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a closure member with a handle for selectively sealing the input port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a wrench assembly that enables the user to more easily open and close the input port and/or to position the reservoir for filling. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a pack into which the reservoir is received, and in some embodiments, the pack includes a hanger assembly adapted to support the reservoir within the pack.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a fastener drive mechanism and a trigger that is movable from an OFF position to an ON position for actuating the fastener drive mechanism. A mode change device is operable to selectively change a tool mode among a first drive mode, a second drive mode and a drive inhibit mode for the fastener drive mechanism. The mode change device includes an operation member that is operable by an operator. The operation member has a plurality of operational positions that correspond to the changeable modes.

Abstract: A drive system for a fastening tool, in particular a riveting tool, includes a punch for a fastening operation and a clamp axially moveable relative to the punch for clamping the workpieces during the fastening operation. The punch is actuated by a drive so as to be displaced axially. During such operation the drive force exerted upon the punch is transmitted to the clamp by force transmitting means comprising an air pressure chamber of variable volume.

Abstract: A screw positioning device includes a tubular member coupled to a slidable barrel part of a screw driving gun. The tubular member defines a screw-guiding chamber. Two spring-biased screw-holding units are disposed within the chamber, and include two urging members and two screw-holding members urged by the urging members in such a manner that the screw-holding members come into contact with a screw in the chamber and are pushed by the screw to move radially away from each other and that the screw-holding members are urged by the urging members to abut against the screw.

Abstract: A stapler includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an anvil. The stapler further includes a paper guide coupled to the base and movable relative to the anvil between a first substantially locked and immovable position and a second substantially locked and immovable position, without requiring access to the bottom surface of the base. The paper guide includes a body portion supported on the top surface of the base, and a locking member coupled to the body portion and operable to substantially lock and unlock the body portion. The locking member is preferably a lever movable relative to the body portion and having a projection engageable with a ramped surface on one of the body portion or the base to lock the paper guide relative to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for ultrasonic bonding or other processing can include a rotatable ultrasonic horn member (28) and a rotatable axle member (34). The axle member is operatively joined to the horn member (28), and can provide a node plane (38). An isolation member (42) can be operatively joined to the axle member (34), and may have a location that is operatively proximate the node plane (38) of the axle member (34). In a particular aspect, the isolation member (42) can exhibit high rigidity. In a further feature, the isolation member (42) is capable of bending under a horn-life range of sonic frequencies to provide an operative component of motion along a radial direction (102), and an operative component of motion along an axial direction (100) of the isolation member.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool for welding high-strength materials with one or more of the following features: 1) a curved transition geometry structure at the shoulder face and probe interface; 2) a tool material selected on the basis of an ultimate tensile strength determined at or above the temperature of the tool processing temperature; 3) a compressive stress at the point of crack fatigue introduced by mechanical or chemical means; and 4) a threaded probe with a) a major to minor thread diameter ratio that increases toward the distal end of the probe and/or b) with a curved thread root.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the reliability of wire-bonding strength by reducing a variation in the entire transformation amount of a wire. At point P1, a bonding wedge 21 abuts the wire 71, whereby a load is exerted on the wire 71. The wire 71 transforms by an amount of transformation A, and the transformation stops at point P2. The transformation amount A varies greatly. At point P3 (T1), ultrasonic wave vibration is exerted and the transformation of the wire 71 is restarted. At this stage, a variation in the transformation amount A is absorbed by an amount of transformation B and therefore a variation in the transformation amount A+B becomes small. At point P4 (T1+T2), the transformation amount A+B is maintained substantially constant. At this point P4, the transformation amount of the wire 71 is set to 0 and the measurement of the transformation amount of the wire 71 is started.

Abstract: A flux supply device comprises a liquid replenishing portion containing a liquid flux for replenishment, a liquid holding portion connected to the lower end of the liquid replenishing portion with a first electromagnetic valve provided therebetween, and a liquid supply portion connected to the lower end of the liquid holding portion with a second electromagnetic valve provided therebetween. The lower end of the liquid supply portion is located in a flux storage tank in which a mixed gas is generated. A gas blow-in pipe for supplying a combustible gas is also located in the flux storage tank. The first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are controlled in given timing so that one opens and closes and then the other opens and closes, alternately and repeatedly. This prevents the pressure variation in the flux storage tank from affecting the liquid replenishing portion and the surface level of the liquid flux in the flux storage tank is kept unchanged.

Abstract: A first metal member is contacted with a second metal member. A metal fastener is provided including a top radially enlarged portion, a bottom radially enlarged portion and a shank portion intermediate the thicker portions for forming a circumferential groove about the axis and fastener. The fastener is driven through the first member and into the second member, inducing friction between the fastener, the first member and the second member for at least locally melting portions of the first member and the second member to form a flowable material that flows into the circumferential groove of the fastener and solidifies.

Abstract: A radiused corner support plate is used to form a corner void when making L- and T-corner welds that are filled with plasticized work piece material during friction stir welding to form a filleted corner weld. An improved friction stir welding tool uses either disrupting features such as crossed rectangular grooves in the distal tip end or a curved tip region or both to improve plasticized work piece material flow below the distal end and in the region of the fillet.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of selectable volumes including a plurality of fold facilitating creases adapted to allow panels to be folded or removed along a fold facilitating crease and/or perforation, further including a first set and a second set of perforations or other separating mechanism extending substantially parallel to a corner edge to thereby define a removable strip for unconnecting panels that form a corner edge from one another. The first set of perforations and the second set of perforations or other separating mechanism are positioned at a spaced distance from each other. The first set of perforations or other separating mechanism is provided on a first panel while the second set of perforations or other separating mechanism is provided on either the corner edge itself or a second panel that form the corner edge. The container may further include lateral perforations as well as flaps, tabs, slits and slots along a top edge of the panels.

Abstract: A reclosable food container is created from a unitary blank. The container includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels extending from the first bottom panel, a lateral side panel extending from the first bottom panel, and an opposing side panel extending from the bottom panel on an opposing side to the lateral side panel. The container also includes a plurality of foldable gussets, where each gusset hingedly connects a side panel-end panel pair. The container also includes a lid extending from the lateral side panel, where the lid includes a top panel and a tuck flap. There is a score line between at least one of the lateral side panel and the top panel, and the top panel and the tuck flap. The score line has a ratio of penetration between about 0.1 and about 0.9.

Abstract: A packaging box includes a rectangularly configured box having an impact-resistant inner bag attached to a first side interior surface. The attached inner bag has an opening for inserting the article to be packaged. The inner bag is then closed about the article using tape elements. When properly closed the inner bag will be spaced from the box interior surface when the first side is facing up. An additional support for the inner bag includes tie members extending from the first side interior surface and about the closed inner bag, the tie members being joined into a twist knot, where further twisting tightens the tie members about the inner bag, thus supporting it generally and providing additional means for spacing the inner bag from the box interior surfaces when the first side is facing up.

Abstract: A stackable produce container is formed from a flat one-piece blank, typically of corrugated paper stock. The container has reinforced corners and is divided into compartments by transverse ribs which provide resistance to bulging under load and when exposed to high humidity.

Abstract: A carton for packaging one or more articles, for example frozen or chilled foodstuff, comprising an inner tray slidable within an outer sleeve. At least one of the inner tray and the outer sleeve is provided with a plurality of panels for forming a void and a push tab is defined in one or more of the panels forming the void to facilitate opening of the carton.

Abstract: A terminal receives data from a storage device that stores data indicating a topic about which information is sought or with reference to which some transaction is desired. The terminal initiates an exchange with a network server and the terminal by transmitting the data received from the storage device. If an indication is made at the terminal that either a further exchange is not desired or that the terminal cannot presently connect with the server, the data from the storage device is saved in a memory for later use in conducting the further exchange. Various options attending this context include providing for the delivery of information by an alternate channel and other options.

Abstract: A media sensing method for an automatic media dispenser for discriminating discharged media using minimum sensors is able to sense media which are discharged in abnormal status by discriminating skew of media, length of the media, thickness of the media, and a distance between successively discharged media using a feed sensor and a rotary variable differential transducer (RVDT) sensor installed on left/right sides of a transferring path on which the media are transferred after being discharged from a cassette as responding to a cash withdrawal request, and thereby an area for disposing the sensors can be reduced to minimize the dispenser, and the circuit can be constructed simply using the minimum sensors to reduce fabrication cost for the automatic media dispenser.

Abstract: A retail terminal is utilized as a gateway to an electronic billing application that allows a user to gain access to the electronic billing application and thereafter tender payment for the bill. A paper bill that is sent to a user is encoded with user login information that is obtainable by the retail terminal. The retail terminal obtains the user login information from the bill and logs the user into the electronic billing application. Various peripheral devices associated with the retail terminal are configured to accept payment for the bill. In one form, the user login information is encoded as a bar code on the bill that contains a user ID and, optionally, a password. The present invention improves the usability and reliability of an electronic billing application. Further, the present invention minimizes the chance that a user will erroneously enter someone else's account number, and provide a level of security by ensuring that the user is in possession of the printed bill.

Abstract: A personal device is provided. The personal device includes an identification verification system that receives first identification data from a physical identification device, such as by inserting a driver's license into a card reader that is adapted to receive a driver's license. Second identification data such as a PIN number is also received. Payment authorization data or other suitable data is generated if the driver's license corresponds to the PIN. A payment selection system or other suitable system receives the payment authorization data and displays one or more payment accounts for selection by a user. Where a payment selection system is used, the payment selection system transmits payment account data to a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: The electronic chip (10) comprises an interface (11) enabling it to communicate with a terminal and a processing circuit (13) capable of performing processing when the chip communicates with the terminal. A time base circuit (18) is connected to the processing circuit (13) for generating a first signal (SI) during at least one given moment if processing has not yet been completed at said moment. A restart signal (SR) is transmitted to the interface in response to the first signal with the purpose of indicating to the terminal that the chip is still operating.

Abstract: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: An authenticated card (10) comprises a flat card body (12) being formed with at least one region thereon (14) being irreversibly transformable from a first state to a second state, the second state being identifiable by a card holder as different from the first state.

Abstract: A smart card-based information processing system capable of compatibly operating under a standard requiring the complete processing of one command at a time, but which is also capable of queuing commands received from applications external to the smart card that it cannot immediately process. When the smart card receives a command that it can process immediately, it processes the command and returns an appropriate status response word. When the smart card receives a command that it cannot process immediately, it places the command in a command queue and returns a status response word indicating that it cannot immediately process the command, along with an index/identifier defining the memory location of the queued command in the command queue. If the smart card also has data or other information developed as a result of executing a previously queued command, it transmits an appropriate proactive command to the application, so that the application can send a command to request the information.

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 thermostatic valve is controlled by a motor that receives signals from an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM sends an electric signal corresponding to a desired outlet stream temperature to the motor, which turns the thermostatic valve to a location corresponding to the desired temperature. The ECM also adapts the thermostatic valve capacity to outlet flow demands by restricting and opening inlet valves, ensuring that the thermostatic valve can maintain an equilibrium temperature for both high and low outlet flow applications.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled mixer valve contains a disk control for determining the quantity of mixed water flowing out of the valve. To the disk control is connected a regulating unit, which determines the mixed water temperature. The control disk is movable with respect to the fixed distributor disk in a first degree of freedom for determining the mixed water quantity. By control disk movement in a second degree of freedom, the desired temperature of the thermostatic valve is modified.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system such as a robotic library has a large plurality of removable storage media, such as tape cartridges, for purposes of I/O. To enhance performance and reliability of the library, a thermodynamic model of the library is constructed and stored in the library, and environmental conditions such as the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of cooling air coming into, flowing through, and leaving the library are monitored. The thermodynamic model of the library includes an acceptable operating range for the library in a psychrometric chart; and the product of the effective thermodynamic mass and specific heat of the library.

Abstract: An aircraft cockpit heater in the form of a floor mat is disclosed. The heating element of the heater is designed so that no portion of the heating element will heat to a temperature above a predetermined threshold, said threshold well below the temperature at which combustion can occur.

Abstract: A portable foot warming device for use with a vehicle. The device includes a rubberized, heat transferring and electrically insulating pad having a specified three dimensional shape with a specified length, width and thickness. An electrically conductive and resistant heat generating coil is embedded within the pad and extends therethrough in a desired configuration. A circuit unit is attached to the pad and supplies the heat generating coil. A cord extends from a voltage input to the circuit unit and in order to power the unit.

Abstract: A choke for reducing spray of fuel exiting a fuel dispensing system nozzle spout having an annular frame positioned within the spout adjacent the output opening. The choke has a concentric hub connected to the frame by three, relatively narrow struts positioned equidistant around the hub. The hub has a solid, cylindrical fore section tubular aft section. A duct extends from the tubular aft section, through one strut and the frame, to the sensing port. Fuel flowing through the spout toward the output opening, it is slowed and divided into three streams by the choke, flows along the hub fore section and converges, compressed and linearly aligned, at the output opening of the spout to reduce spraying of fuel at the output opening of the spout and avoid unwanted shut-off.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a length-changing actuator that has first and second ends, a closure member coupled to the first end of the length-changing actuator, and a compensator assembly coupled the second end of the actuator. The length-changing actuator includes first and second ends. The closure member is movable between a first configuration permitting fuel injection and a second configuration preventing fuel injection. And the compensator assembly axially positions the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation. The compensator assembly utilizes a configuration of at least one spring disposed between two pistons so as to reduce the use of elastomer seals to thereby reduce a slip stick effect. Also, a method of compensating for thermal expansion or contraction of the fuel injector comprises providing fuel from a fuel supply to the fuel injector; and adjusting the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation.

Abstract: This invention discloses an ornamental fountain wherein a fountain nozzle is made to discharge a pressurized stream of liquid, and a shutter prevents or allows the stream to exit.

Abstract: A drinking straw having a weight integrated thereto which is provided to anchor the drinking straw against the buoyant effects of escaping diffused gases in carbonated drinks.

Abstract: A dispenser system for scented material for use during hunting includes a container having a sealable opening and a wick stored in the container, the wick having a series of weights distributed thereon. The wick may have a tab positioned on one end to prevent complete removal of the wick from the bottle, and a grab hook at the other end. The dispenser system may include an auxiliary line attachable to the grab hook for connecting the wick to a tree limb of the like.

Abstract: An atomizer has a liquid container containing a liquid to be atomized and an oscillator having a cylindrically shaped top part and protruding from the bottom of the liquid container. A pipe or a portion of the inner wall of the liquid container is sufficiently close to the outer surface of the top part of the oscillator so as to form a gap of 3 mm or less such that when the oscillator is caused to oscillate, its vibratory energy causes the liquid to reach the top surface of the oscillator and to be atomized. An inhalator is formed with such an atomizer made detachably attachable to a main housing. A coupling unit with two couplers connected with a cable may be used to attach the atomizer to the inhalator's main housing. A mouthpiece and a mask may be made attachable to the atomizer.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, an length-changing actuator that has first and second ends, a closure member coupled to the first end of the length-changing actuator, and a compensator assembly coupled the second end of the actuator. The length-changing actuator includes first and second ends. The closure member is movable between a first configuration permitting fuel injection and a second configuration preventing fuel injection. And the compensator assembly axially positions the actuator with respect to the body in response to temperature variation. The compensator assembly utilizes a configuration of at least one spring disposed between two pistons so as to reduce the use of elastomer seals to thereby reduce a slip stick effect.

Abstract: A fluid ejecting method and system include one or more fluid ejectors within a fluid ejector frame and an interposer frame and movably mounted upon a fluid ejector carriage. The fluid ejector carriage traverses across a recording medium for placing swaths of fluid droplets upon the recording medium. A biasing structure urges the fluid ejector frame to a first position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the first position. A second position of the fluid ejector frame is achieved by energizing a position actuator to move the fluid ejector frame from the first position to the second position to obtain highly accurate and repeatable placement of fluid droplets when the fluid ejector frame is in the second position. The recording medium is advanced separately upon completing a set of at least one swath of fluid droplets.

Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle is provided in a housing which has one or more water inlets that direct the incoming water flow in a direction tangential to the inner walls of the housing. This creates a circular or swirling motion of water within the housing which in turn imparts a rotary motion to the nozzle. The liquid or water in the housing exits the housing through the rotating nozzle to thereby provide a rotary spray.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid material with different configurations of air assisted fiberization or filament movement (e.g., meltblowing, controlled fiberization). In particular, front access for mounting a selected nozzle only requires adjustment of one lever and one fastener. Features of the lever and nozzle allow assisted ejection of the nozzle, even when the nozzle has become adhered to a die body through use. In addition, a nozzle mounting surface of the die body provides a universal interface to the various types of nozzles. An air cavity in the die body and air troughs in selected types of nozzles balance and adjust air flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved abrasive delivery system for delivering an abrasive material to a waterjet cutting nozzle which has no external pressure effects on the orifice metering the flow of abrasive material from a container for the material by using air pressure to transport the abrasive material to the cutting nozzle through a standard metering orifice where equal pressure is maintained above and below the orifice to provide a constant volume of abrasive material flow to the cutting nozzle which is located up to 100 feet or more from the metering device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a GDI injector of a vehicle engine that can change the level of swirl motion and make it possible to increase engine output and fuel mileage, comprising a nozzle body having an opening along its longitudinal axis, a fuel inlet member, a cylindrically-shaped needle valve being centrally located within the opening of the nozzle body, and a swirl generator, the swirl generator comprising: an inner case having a cylindrically-shaped body and a plurality of equally and angularly spaced lobes, the inner case being coupled to the needle; an outer case having a cylindrically-shaped body and a plurality of equally and angularly spaced grooves, the outer case being fixedly attached to the nozzle body; and an inner case rotator.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention has a handle connected to first and second spaced apart spray tubes which are rotatable for passing fluid sprays toward one another or in a common direction outwardly from the apparatus. The handle is connectable to a pressurized fluid source. The apparatus is adapted to decontaminate or clean articles passed between the spray bars and clean articles adjacent the apparatus.