Abstract: A compression tank device (1) for sea transport of petroleum products, comprising a relatively elongated metallic cylindrical portion (4) and end gables (6, 6′), the cylindrical portion (4) being fixedly connected to the end gables (6, 6′) through sealing connections (16, 16′), and the cylindrical portion (4) of the compression tank (1) and a portion of the end gables (6, 6′) being braided with a fibrous material (8), the fibrous material (8) being oriented mainly in the circumferential direction of the compression tank (1).

Abstract: A portable beverage container that has a body defining a receptacle therein for containing a generally cylindrical cup liner and liquid that can be set inside of the body of the container to hold liquids and the like. The body has a handle for easy grasping and also has a plurality of holes on the bottom perimeter that correspond to raised air passage channels formed between the outside of the generally cylindrical cup liner and the inner wall of the body for increased air flow around the generally cylindrical cup liner. The generally cylindrical cup liner has threads protruding from the top of the cylindrical cup liner to accommodate the inner threading of a top cover that can be twisted onto and off of the top of the cylindrical cup liner. There is a fitted snap-on bottom cap for the bottom of the body as well as a twist-on cap that can form a vacuum seal on the bottom of the body.

Abstract: A portable beverage container that can be used separately or in combination with a beverage heater and cooler unit. The portable beverage container includes a body defining a receptacle therein for containing a generally cylindrical cup liner and liquid that can be set inside of the body of the container to hold liquids and the like. The body has a handle for easy grasping and also has a plurality of holes on the bottom perimeter that correspond to raised air passage channels formed between the outside of the generally cylindrical cup liner and the inner wall of the body, for increased air flow around the generally cylindrical cup liner.

Abstract: A waste container provides at least one protrusion spaced below a lip extending radially outwardly from an upper edge of the waste container. The at least one protrusion is spaced below the lip to permit a gripper from an automatic lifter to grasp the waste container between the at least one protrusion and the upper lip. The at least one protrusion may be a plurality of triangular shaped bosses formed midway between the upper edge and lower edge of the waste container. Alternatively, the at least one protrusion may be a base portion which extends radially outwardly at a lower edge of the waste container. The at least one protrusion prevents the waste container from slipping completely through the grippers while the waste container is inverted while emptying the contents into a truck.

Abstract: A food dispensing machine and method of use that includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions. A first food portion, such as a hot dog, is dispensed from a chain of portions in an sealing film via a first dispensing device, which slices the film and expels the food portion. The first food portion is loaded onto a projecting component, which transports the first food portion to a first heating device and rotates the food portion during heating. Second food portions, such as buns, within containers attached to a film so as to form a chain, are dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates each container from the film for placement onto a tray. The tray conveys the second food portions to a second heating device, and the heated first and second food portions are combined and dispensed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a manually activated disc storage and dispensing device. A disc-grabbing-and-dispensing component is slideably mounted to a disc storage base containing a stack of discs. Manual depression of the disc-grabbing-and-dispensing component causes the disc-grabbing-and-dispensing component to slide toward the disc storage base and grab the stack of discs between two vertically mounted, continuous belts. Manual releasing of the disc-grabbing-and-dispensing component allows the disc-grabbing-and-dispensing component to return to the released position, carrying the stack of discs. Manual activation of a thumb wheel transfers rotational motion to gears on which the continuous belts are mounted, driving the continuous belts downward, and releasing discs one-at-a-time at a rate determined by the rate at which the thumb wheel is turned.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and assemblies for controllably dispensing a predefined number of items, or predefined volume of a flowable substance, at a time. Dispensation is accomplished by a simple tilting motion that can be effected with a single hand of a user.

Abstract: A particle dispenser and method of regulating the rate of dispensing of particles is disclosed in which particles are dispensed through a plurality of apertures having a variable effective area defined as the total area of apertures through which particles can be dispensed at any given time. The effective area is varied so as to provide a high dispense rate initially and a lower dispense rate later on in the dispense cycle. In this way, relatively larger quantities of particles can be dispensed accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.

Abstract: A hands-free, personal hydration system utilizes a peristaltic pump to deliver fluid from a reservoir through a drinking tube to a user's mouth. The pump can be activated by the user's lips completing a circuit upon touching the mouthpiece for a drink.

Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.

Abstract: An electric dispensing gun for dispensing two part viscous materials. The dispensing gun features a directly driven pinion/rack assembly and an optional mixing manifold for dispensing material from sausage packaging. A controller controls operation of the dispensing gun to implement dosage control and automatic power reverse features.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating ready-to-use products from a concentrated form of the products is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a source of one or more concentrated products. These concentrated products are delivered to a point of use which typically may be a small, consumer-sized container. The apparatus dilutes the concentrated product to an appropriate level. The final, ready-to-use product can be a wide variety of cleaning products. A method is also disclosed for creating this ready-to-use product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-operated spray pump, and more particularly the hand-operated spray pump with the modified configuration of a hollow rode, a piston and the like, which constitute a hand-operated spray pump, whereby the spray pump has a precompression function and a further lower defect rate in manufacturing.

Abstract: A pressure control device for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in a container which is arranged for dispensing a fluid contained in the container from the container at said pressure, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, as well as at least one closing member movable relative to the second chamber for releasing and closing a fluid connection between the first chamber and the container depending on the position of the closing member relative to the second chamber. The first chamber is filled with a gas which, in use, has a higher pressure than the pressure in the container. The second chamber is located outside the first chamber.

Abstract: A corner trowel system for efficiently applying joint compound within an inside corner. The corner trowel system includes a trowel member have a syncline shape, a first port and a second port within opposing sides of the trowel member, a cross tube fluidly connected to the ports, an applicator unit, and a reservoir positioned within the applicator unit. The reservoir is fluidly connected to the cross tube via a delivery tube. The joint compound is dispersed through the ports and then smoothed by the trowel member within an inner corner of a wall.

Abstract: A tapping rod (2) with a beverage valve (16), a gas valve (14) cooperating therewith, and a collar (24), while in or on the collar a connecting device (26) is fitted, which connecting device comprises a pressure body (30) for opening the beverage valve (16) and the gas valve (14), wherein: the pressure body (30) comprise or defines at least one first beverage channel (50) for bringing, with the beverage valve in open position, the inner space of a keg, in particular a riser of the taping rod, into fluid communication with a beverage dispensing line; the pressure body comprises or defines at least one gas channel (48) for bringing, with the gas valve in open position, the inner space of the keg into fluid communication with a gas supply line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a fluid, comprising a pouring element comprises a pouring spout manufactured from a flexible material which Is connected by means of a sealing connection (5) to the container. A pouring spout manufactured from flexible material, for instance plastic foil or a plastic laminate foil with for instance aluminium, is much less expensive than the containers heretofore provided with a pouring spout. According to a preferred embodiment the pouring element Is provided with a once-only breakable closure (10) and with a resealable closure (7, 21).

Abstract: In a rear luggage-carrier device for a motorcycle, in which a rear carrier disposed in the rear of a pillion portion for a tandem rider is supported by a pair of stays secured to left and right rear portions of a vehicle body, a backrest is supported on the stays so that it can be turned between an upright position and a housed position. In the upright position, the backrest is located above a rear end of the pillion portion such that it can contact from behind the waist of a tandem rider on the pillion portion. In the housed position, the backrest has been turned rearward from above a rear end of the pillion portion and housed in a front portion of the rear carrier so that luggage can be placed on the backrest.

Abstract: A support frame (1) for a respiratory air container has an approximately U-shaped guiding channel (13) in the longitudinal direction on the side facing towards the body of the user. An extension plate (14) which is also U-shaped is guided into said guiding channel and can be stopped in various positions therein. Supply lines (7 to 9) which originate from the pressure reducer (6) of the respiratory air container and which form a reserve loop in the smallest form of the support frame extend into a receiving channel (25) via a line inlet opening (12), said receiving channel being formed by the U-shaped extension plate, and are fixed thereto. The length of the support frame and the position of the supply lines are adjusted according to the torso length of the user, by adjusting the extension plate. This ensures that the user can move freely and safely while the supply lines are protected or kept close to the body, regardless of body size.

Abstract: A hook-like carrier adapted for attachment to and support by the belt of a user includes an attachment member having a pair of generally vertical, spaced slots which are adapted to receive the user's belt. Attached to an outer portion of the attachment member is a first element of a foldable hook. The first hook element is pivotally coupled to a second hook element such as by a first hinge and the second hook element is, in turn, pivotally coupled to a third hook element, such as by a second hinge. The hook elements are pivotally movable between a first folded configuration, such as when not in use, and a second extended configuration for engaging and supporting an article and maintaining the article securely in position in closely spaced relation to the user's waist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the separation of plastic cards, especially chip cards, from a sheet or strip material, with an upper and lower cutting tool giving the cutting outline which are designed to cut into a corresponding upper and lower side of the sheet or strip material with the retention of a residual cross-piece, whereby at least two upper and at least two lower cutting tools arranged in each case next to each other are provided for the forcibly coupled separation of several plastic cards.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce or eliminate misalignment, wrinkles, and creases in coated web product. A relationship between web outgassing pressure and surface roughness of the web and web transporting rollers is developed. This relationship allows for the control over the web outgassing pressure. The ability to adjust the web tension pressure, as well as the selection of web transporting rollers with prescribed surface characteristics, allows an operator to control the degree to which the web floats over or tracks the web transporting roller. A controller, in response to pressure and tension sensors, can also provide dynamic, closed-loop control of the entire system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce or eliminate misalignment, wrinkles, and creases in coated web product. A relationship between web outgassing pressure and surface roughness of the web and web transporting rollers is developed. This relationship allows for the control over the web outgassing pressure. The ability to adjust the web tension pressure, as well as the selection of web transporting rollers with prescribed surface characteristics, allows an operator to control the degree to which the web floats over or tracks the web transporting roller. A controller, in response to pressure and tension sensors, can also provide dynamic, closed-loop control of the entire system.

Abstract: A cabinet is provided downstream of a high speed laser printer, and provides an environmentally controllable environment for a web that must be “moisturized” before being fed to a downstream device for further processing. A single web loop is gravity biased as well as acted on by a constant force spring to accommodate abrupt speed changes in the web. The depth of the web loop is of sufficient height to accommodate reversals in web direction necessitated by the laser printer.

Abstract: A combustion power framing tool the invention has a nosepiece for driving fasteners, a housing and a combustion chamber that produces primary power held within the housing. A fastener supply, such as a magazine, is attached to the housing to supply the fasteners. The tool has detects a condition and produces a signal based on that condition, then causes the primary power to vary in relation to the signal, returning the primary power to full power following driving of the fastener.

Abstract: A nail gun has a free end 19a and central potion of a trigger arm 19 positioned within a trigger 11, on an upper end 12a of a safety portion 12 and at a plunger 17, respectively. When the trigger 11 is pivoted on its pivot end 16, pivoting movement of the trigger 11 moves a pivot end 18 of the trigger arm 19 to press the central portion of the trigger arm 19 into contact with the plunger 17 and, with the plunger 17 serving as a fulcrum, to press the free end 19a downward against the upper end 12a of the safety portion 12. If downward movement of the safety portion 12 is obstructed when the trigger 11 is pivoted, the upper end 12a contacted by the free end 19a of the trigger arm 19 serves as a fulcrum around which the trigger arm 19 pivots with movement of the trigger 11, whereupon the central portion of the trigger arm 19 presses the plunger 17 inward so that an activation switch 10 activates a blade 7 to eject a nail through a nose piece 5.

Abstract: A screw alignment device for assisting engagement of a screw driving tool during a fastening operation with a screw of the type having a shank disposed between a head end and a front end, the screw tool being of the type having a shaft with a gripping formation at one end thereof for engagement with the screw head. The screw alignment device includes a screw guide having a body of generally annular configuration formed from a resilient material and having an internal capacity of generally frusto-conical configuration. There is also a tool guide spaced rearwardly from the screw guide and aligned with the cone axis. The device further includes a connector which connects the screw guide to the tool guide.

Abstract: [Issue] This invention prevents mis-positioning of staples when driving staples and checks the occurrence of binding problems by smoothly driving staples.

Abstract: A stapler anvil and method for clinching a staple is disclosed. The anvil includes a body having a well. The well has an axis extending between the legs of a staple and is defined by a first surface having a first portion along which the first leg of the staple is directed as the staple is being clinched, and a second portion extending substantially at an angle relative to the first portion to direct the second leg of the staple at least partially away from the axis as the staple is clinched. The well is further defined by a second surface spaced from the first surface. The second surface is configured to redirect the second leg of the staple at least partially back toward the axis after the second leg has been directed at least partially away from the axis by the second portion of the first surface.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including an organic structure and inorganic atoms bonded to specific locations on the organic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a friction stir weld joint in a workpiece are provided. The apparatus includes a friction stir welding tool having a shoulder and a rotatable pin extending therefrom. The rotational speed of the pin can be adjusted during a friction stir welding operation, e.g., cyclically and/or according to a predetermined schedule, so that the pin mixes the plasticized material of the workpiece. The workpiece can also be preheated before friction stir welding.

Abstract: A layered article having a curved surface made of a supporting metal metallurgically bonded to a supported metal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a stack package and a method of manufacturing the same, which has improved electrical properties by virtue of a reduced signal line length, and also allows reduction of production costs of the stack package. The stack package of the present invention comprises panels having an area for mounting respective CSP packages and pin-shaped connectors. The panels comprise circuit patterns for electrical connection to the CSP packages, which are formed at portions of the panels corresponding to the CSP packages to be mounted. Also, the panels have first openings for electrical connection to the circuit patterns, which are formed at both sides of the circuit patterns. The pin-shaped connectors are inserted through the first openings of the panels. The panels are stacked in at least two layers in such a manner that the first openings of one panel correspond to the first openings of the other panels, so that the connectors are electrically connected to the circuit patterns of the stacked panels.

Abstract: A method of providing thermal vias in a printed circuit board that includes one or more layers of board material is disclosed. The vias provide for conducting heat from components mounted on the board. One or more holes (4) are provided in a printed circuit board that may include several metal layers. A metal ball (6) is inserted into each hole and subjected to pressure such as to deform said ball, and tightly fixating the resultant slug against the wall (5) of said hole. The deformed ball or slug fixed in the hole, which may have a metallised inner surface, functions to conduct heat and/or electricity between a metallised topside (2) and bottom side (3) of the printed circuit board and also between intermediate metallised layers in the case of a multi-layer board.

Abstract: Methods for making and using dissipative ceramic bonding tool tips for wire bonding electrical connections to bonding pads on integrated circuit chips and packages. The method of using the dissipative ceramic bonding tool tip includes dissipating charge while bonding to avoid damaging delicate electronic devices by a sudden surge of accumulated charge. The method of making the tool tip includes affecting its conductivity so that it conducts electricity at a rate sufficient to prevent charge buildup, but not sufficient to overload the device being bonded. For best results, a resistance in the tip assembly itself should range from 5×104 or 105 to 1012 ohms. In addition, the tips must also have specific mechanical properties to function satisfactorily.

Abstract: A method to reduce undesirable outgassing includes bonding at least two optical components with a bonding material and encapsulating the bonding material with a capping material. The capping material inhibits the outgassing of species that would otherwise be emitted from the bonding material to the surrounding. In one example, the bonding material is silicone and the capping material is epoxy.

Abstract: A hazardous materials safe envelope having holes permitting atmospheric communication between the interior and exterior of the envelope. Such holes reduce the risk of the use of a sealed envelope to transport hazardous materials (i.e. biological or chemical agents) through the United States Postal Service or other similar courier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two way mailer. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a single sheet two-way mailer which can be folded in one way and held together with adhesive to form an outgoing mailer and then opened and folded in a second way and held together with adhesive to form a return mailer.

Abstract: A carton serving as a package for a Transformable Pyramid, which is a built-up type intellectual teaching aid, is produced from a cardboard divided into two groups of four right triangular faces for folding into first and second pyramidal parts, respectively. The first and the second pyramidal parts in the folded state provide two open-bottomed four-face pyramidal bodies connected and closable to each other to fitly enclose the Transformable Pyramid therein. Instructions of use and color strips showing outer appearance of the Transformable Pyramid may be printed on front and reverse surfaces of the eight faces of the carton. The carton therefore has the advantages of occupying a reduced space, and providing a fit package with instructions to facilitate display and promotion of the packaged goods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus of blade's raw material used in a paper blanking die for manufacturing paper box and the like and an automatic cutting system using this cutting apparatus. This cutting apparatus comprises: cutters more than two kinds having different cutting out or cutting off patterns arranged side by side laterally against a feeding direction of the blade's raw material; a cutter guiding section for guiding said each cutter so as to be able to perpendicularly move against a plane of said blade's raw material; a pressing means for perpendicularly moving and pressing any one of said cutters toward a plane of said blade's raw material; a cutter die for supporting said blade's raw material against the pressing force of said cutter and simultaneously interacting with said cutter whereby executing the cutting work of the blade's raw material; and a cutter selecting means for selecting such that only any one of said cutters is pressed by said pressing means.

Abstract: T A start-up guide is associated with a system, such as an imaging system, including shipping elements at a plurality of locations in or on the system. The shipping elements are os a type that should be removed from the system in a predetermined sequence prior to initial operation of the system. The start-up guide includes a removable location indicator at each of the locations at which shipping elements to be removed is located. A linear linking element sequentially connects the location indicators in an order corresponding to the sequence in which the shipping elements are to be removed.

Abstract: A novel transaction-enabling method and system are disclosed, wherein a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is embedded within an HTML-encoded document stored in an HTTP server at predetermined URL. When a code symbol (e.g., magstripe or bar code) encoded with the URL is read using a code symbol reader interfaced with a Java-enabled Internet terminal, the corresponding HTTP document is automatically accessed and displayed at the terminal, and the transaction-enabling Java-Applet initiated for execution so that the customer, consumer or client desiring the transaction can simply and conveniently conduct the information-related transaction over the Internet. The transaction-enabling Internet terminal can be in the form of an Internet kiosk installed in a public location, in the manner as conventional ATMs. By virtue of the present invention, universal transaction machine (UTMs) can be easily deployed for use by the mass population so that they can easily conduct various types of transaction over the Internet.

Abstract: A document handling machine comprised a detector system (110) for detecting one or more characteristic features of documents. A control system (100) performs a number of functions related to information obtained from the detector system (110) and/or the manner in which documents are handled. The control system (100) includes a memory (6) for storing a set of codes, each code corresponding to a respective one of the functions, and is adapted to enable a function to be performed if a supplied enabling code corresponds in a valid manner with one of the stored function codes.

Abstract: Information is communicated between an RFID tag and first and second readers. A first transceiver of the RFID tag is controlled so that the first transceiver communicates with the first reader and so that the first transceiver has substantially longer periods during which the first transceiver is not in communication with the first reader than when the first transceiver is in communication with the first reader. A second transceiver of the RFID tag is controlled so that the second transceiver communicates with the second reader at least during the periods when the first transceiver is not in communication with the first reader. The RFID tag may also have a battery, a switch coupling the battery to at least the first transceiver, and a controller that operates the switch in a duty cycle such that power is provided by the battery to the first transceiver during ON times of the duty cycle and such that power from the battery to the first transceiver is interrupted during OFF times of the duty cycle.

Abstract: A pass-code identification device includes a communication unit for communicating with an external apparatus, a data-holding unit for holding data, a pass-code-holding unit for holding a pass-code, a pass-code comparison unit for comparing an input pass-code received through the communication unit with the pass-code held by the pass-code holding unit, and a flow control unit for controlling a result of comparison of the pass-codes in accordance with a condition for comparing the pass-codes. The condition determines whether or not it is necessary to judge pass-codes. The condition also determines whether or not a pass-code is required to change a pass-code from valid status to invalid status and vice versa.

Abstract: An electronic lock system which allows unattended dispensing of user determined key codes is described. These user determined key codes are then utilized by the user to gain access to a particular room or area. In one aspect of the present invention, a secure lock system for providing user access to an area includes a terminal interfacing with a user and receiving a user determined key code from the user. An access locking device blocks access to the area, but after the user inputs the user determined key code to the access locking device the access device unlocks and provides access to the area.

Abstract: A card processing system using an IC card that is capable of exchanging information through the electrical contact with the on-board unit installed in a vehicle using a toll road and the wireless communication with an antenna unit installed at the roadside of a toll road includes a first processing unit to execute the process through the wireless communication with an on-board unit with an IC card inserted so as to electrically contact the on-board unit and a second processing unit to execute the process through the wireless communication with the IC card when an error is generated in the process by the first processing unit.

Abstract: A medication-dispensing unit is provided for tracking medical products having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag uniquely associated therewith. The dispensing unit includes compartments for receiving medical products therein, and readers for reading the RFID tags associated with the medical products in the compartments. A processor is coupled to the readers for receiving and processing readings of the RFID tags in the compartment to identify the medical products in the compartments. The processor may identify a medical product removed from a compartment by determining a difference between readings of the RFID tags in the compartment taken before and after the medical product is removed from the compartment. The processor may verify that the medical product removed from the compartment is authorized to be removed or confirmed that an identified patient is intended to receive the medical product being removed from the compartment.