Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes separate valves for controlling the flow rate of a diluent and a concentrate. Various concentrates of different viscosities can be used and the selected concentrate is identified. The flow rate of the concentrate is determined based on temperature and pressure and on information related to the identified concentrate. The valves are controlled so that the concentrate and diluent reach target flow rates. The target flow rates satisfy a target ratio of diluent to concentrate. If the actual flow rates cannot reach the target flow rates, then the target flow rates are modified to satisfy the target ratio. The structure of the concentrate valve is designed to accommodate proportional metering of any one of the various concentrates.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a dispenser for insertion in a pack for drink and a cap for concealing the dispenser. The dispenser defines a space extending for an entire length thereof and includes a mouthpiece formed on an end, an insert formed on an opposite end and a stop formed between the mouthpiece and the insert. The cap can be mounted on the mouthpiece or the insert. The insert includes a cutting edge. The cutting edge includes a point. The cap includes a plug for insertion in the dispenser. The dispenser includes a ridge formed on an internal face, and the plug includes a ridge formed thereon for engagement with the ridge of the dispenser when the plug is inserted in the dispenser. The insert defines an aperture communicated with the space of the dispenser and located adjacent to the stop.

Abstract: A container with a varying capacity is provided. The container has one or more pleats, allowing transformation of the container into varying physical states.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, a user of the apparatus may be charged a fee based on a selected basis. The selected basis may be, but is not limited to, a per vehicle basis, a per application basis, a per use basis, a per refilling basis, or a per time basis.

Abstract: A valve system adapted for mixing and dispensing separately stored substances is provided. The valve has at least a two-way valve aspect and a one-way valve aspect in selective communication with two or more inner chambers housed in an outer housing. The outer housing preferably stores a propellant that creates pressure in the inner chambers for mixing and dispensing of the substances contained therein.

Abstract: A container for mixing and dispensing separately stored substances is provided. The container has a number of inner chambers housed in an outer canister. Preferably, the outer canister stores a propellant that creates pressure in the inner chambers for mixing and then dispensing of the substances contained therein.

Abstract: A manually operated liquid foaming dispenser is attached to the top of a container of liquid and is manually vertically reciprocated to dispense the liquid from the container as a foam. The dispenser includes a liquid pump chamber and an air pump chamber that respectively pump liquid and air to a discharge passage of the pump where the liquid and air are mixed, generating the foam dispensed from the dispenser. The liquid dispenser is constructed with three biased closed valves that prevent leakage from a liquid container attached to the dispenser should the dispenser and container be positioned on their sides or be inverted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a device for dispensing fluid from a container with an open end and a closed end. A follower is movably disposed in the container and fluid is held between the follower and the open end of the container. An air inlet opening is provided between the follower and the closed end of the container. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a piston chamber, a piston disposed for reciprocal movement in the chamber and an actuator movably mounted to the housing for reciprocating the piston. The housing has an air inlet duct, an air outlet duct, a fluid inlet duct and a fluid outlet duct, all of which open into the chamber. The housing sealingly mounts to the open end of the container such that the interior of the container is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet duct. The piston sealingly engages the chamber walls at two longitudinally spaced locations for dividing the chamber into a first volume and a second volume.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a metering chamber and an elongated stem. The stem is axially movable with respect to the valve housing for dispensing liquid and is rotatable for adjusting the length of the stroke of a piston to thereby select the volume of liquid dispensed with each actuation of the stem. A sliding float member is fitted around the stem within the chamber and is axially slidable with respect to the stem but is locked for rotation with the stem. The lower surface of the sliding float is locked for axial movement with the piston but is independently rotatable with respect to the piston. A pair of spaced poles extends parallel to the axis of the float and engages vaginations in a surface of the housing to thereby limit the length of the stroke of the piston. The poles of the float and the complementary pairs of vaginations in the housing are angularly spaced a distance of less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottle top with valve mainly for the sealing of carbonated drink bottles which has a cylindrical part, a pouring opening and sealing components, characterised by that there is a cup (10) seated in the internal space (1b) of the house (1) delimited by the house cylindrical part (1a), a sealing body (9) is placed in the cup (10), the scaling body (9) has a head (9a), neck (9b) and stem (9d), and a disc (9c) inserted in between these latter two, the neck (9b) and stem (9d) of the sealing body (9) are coaxial with each other and with the longitudinal axis (1d) of the house (1), a spherical valve body (11) that operates like a ball joint rests on the head (9a) of the sealing body (9), the head (9a) of the sealing body (9) fits to the valve body (11) along the slot (11a) established in the surface of the valve body (11), there is an axle (12) threaded through the valve body (11) concentrically, both ends of the axle (12) can be lifted away from in front of the cylindrical part (1a) of the

Abstract: A portable hand held fuel container includes a pour tube, a fill tube spaced from the pour tube, a removable closure cap to close the inlet end to the fill tube, a vent arrangement in the closure cap that permits and prevents exterior air to enter to fill tube to enhance pouring and during pouring inhibits fluid flow through the fill tube in case of overturning of the container, and a vapor seal member connected to the pour tube that is adapted during pouring to simultaneously seal about the fuel inlet to a fuel receiving tank and axially compress to permit deep insertion of the discharge end of the pour tube into the receiving tank.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.

Abstract: Two gripping members, fabricated out of flexible, expandable, resiliently biased material, are provided. Each gripping member has a longitudinally extending opening therethrough. The gripping members are independently attached to the neck section of the hanger by a retaining connector consisting of a pliable, yet rigid line. In use, after a shirt, blouse, sweater, or similar clothing is positioned on the outwardly extending members of a hanger, or pants are hung on the horizontal cross-member of a hanger, the gripping members are placed over the clothing, the openings of each gripping member surrounding the clothing and clothes supporting members of the hanger. The expandable, resiliently biased nature of the material allows each member to expand a sufficient amount to envelope both the clothing and the support members of the hanger.

Abstract: The patent is for certain developments in hanger technology. Particularly attachments to provide broader shoulder supports for wood wire and plastic hangers and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An arm brace that includes an attachment for a wire, tube or cable, particularly for use with a hand-held tool, such as an ultrasound transducer. The arm strap or brace supports the cable of the tool, relieving stresses to the wrist and forearm of the user. The arm strap is formed from a length of a limited stretch material and includes a first strap end attachable to a second strap end with a re-attachable strap fastener, the arm strap for encircling the arm of a user with an arm strap tension. A cable tab formed from an elastic material, including a first tab end and a second tab end, the second tab end attached to the arm strap, and the first tab end attachable to the arm strap with a re-attachable tab fastener. A cable loop is formed between the cable tab and the arm strap, and a cable is received within the cable loop. The cable loop secures the cable with a cable tension.

Abstract: The invention consists in a new carrying system of objects, based on the use of a hooking shoulder carrier which does not include any container in which to transport objects. This permits the device to hook directly the load and therefore it can be light and pocket able, thus being able to carry even encumbering objects. Further, the dimension of carried objects is not limited by the dimensions of a container. Objects to be carried are hooked in two points. This is obtained, in the preferred embodiment, by providing a one-shoulder hooking carrier having a ring-ended wide shoulder strap, sufficiently short to stay in the shoulder zone of a user. At each ending ring a carrying cable is provided, ending in an anchor-shaped hook comprising two adjacent snap-hooks, one for load hooking, the other for connection to an element which is transversal between the two anchor-shaped hooks of the device. Said element useful to stabilize carrying. The device is particularly useful for plastic bag transportation.

Abstract: A cargo carrier (10) for bicycles (Y1, Y2) is removably installable in the bed (B) of a truck (T) and has a base plate (12) which mounts on top of the truck bed. One side of the base plate bears against one wall (W1) of the truck bed and an adjustable stop (14) is adjustable to bear against the opposite wall (W2) so to allow the carrier to be installed in trucks having different bed widths. Saddles (40) have risers (42) extending vertically upwardly from the base plate. An attachment screw (62) extending between the risers is used for securing bicycles to the carrier. The base plate may include an offset section so two bicycles can be carried in a side-by-side, staggered formation. The saddles are removable and can be replaced with posts or mounts for carrying other items in the bed. The carrier is in kit form for quick assembly, when needed.

Abstract: A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone, to a surface, such as a dash, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the support surface. A bottom surface of the pad is tacky to cling to the surface and a top surface is tacky to cling to the item. A lowermost contact surface of the pad can have a greater surface area than an uppermost contact surface. Indicia can be formed on the pad. The pad can be translucent or transparent. The pad can include an expanded vinyl material or a polyurethane material.

Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture to prevent overrotation of the carrier.

Abstract: A multi-configurable holster system includes a rail system that allows a holster to be positioned in an infinite amount of positions and configurations. The rail system may attach to various parts of the body. The system may include a firearm holster, a magazine holster, a handcuff holster and a flashlight or baton holster. Each holster is adjustable and may accommodate various sized pieces of law enforcement equipment.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play. The device includes a carrier member attached to a glove attachment surface that is configured to engage a portion of a golf glove such that the golf glove can be stored on the carrier member when not being used by the golfer. In accordance with other embodiments, the carrier member is configured to secure one or more golf balls therein. In accordance with other embodiments, various device holders are attached to the carrier member.

Abstract: An adhesive-tape support device of an adhesive-tape holder includes an adhesive-tape holder provided at one end with plural rotatable wheels preset in number for tape rolls to be mounted thereon and fitted at the other end with a blade base. Plural horizontal support rods preset in number are provided between the blade base and the rotatable wheels, respectively having one end secured at a proper interval on an inner side of the adhesive-tape holder and the other end dangling without support. The support rods are of different lengths and positioned at different heights for different-sized adhesive tapes to be fitted and supported thereon, needless to take much space for storing the adhesive tapes, able to match with different-sized adhesive tapes and convenient in use.

Abstract: A surgical grasping instrument for grasping an elongated implement, which comprises a frame; an elongated member connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of jaw members operatively connected to the elongated member, the jaw members being adapted for movement between an open position and a closed position, at least one of the jaw members having a recess defined therein and arranged about a central recess axis extending at an angle of about 35° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, wherein upon movement of the jaw members to the closed position, the jaw members form a holding groove that can engage and firmly secure the elongated implement.

Abstract: A stapler for clinching materials together with a generally U-shaped staple. The stapler has an anvil with spaced-apart wedges disposed adjacent a backing plate, and the spaced-apart wedges have respective chamfers that contact legs of the staple and guide the legs away from each other. A driver blade is movable between the spaced apart wedges and pushes against a staple crown. As an actuator pushes the driver blade between the wedges, the staple is being pushed over the wedges. The actuator retracts the driver blade from between the spaced-apart wedges substantially independent of a biasing force pushing the spaced apart wedges against the backing plate.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailing machine mainly includes a main body, a guide nail block, a clamping block and a nail magazine; a clamping block is pivotally disposed on a lateral side of the guide nail block; the bottom end of the clamping block forms a push portion and the top end thereof forms a clamping portion. Pushing a magazine cover of the nail magazine upwardly to the top end of a guide nail plate pushes the push portion of the clamping block thereby making the clamping portion clamp a guide plate cover onto the guide nail block. Before detaching the magazine cover, the guide plate cover always clamps to the guide nail block so as to prevent the guide plate cover from opening mistakenly to accidentally eject nails.

Abstract: An apparatus which enables a user of a pneumatic tool device, such as a nail gun, to determine the required compressor pressure needed to most effectively utilize the pneumatic tool device and maximize the life of the tool. A compressor pressure indication assembly on a nail gun comprising a nail verification assembly and a readout assembly enables a user to verify the length and/or diameter of the nails to be driven by the nail gun and set the compressor pressure accordingly.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer includes body for receiving the piston therein and a barrel is rotatably and movably inserted in a connection tube extending from the body. The piston rod is movably inserted in the barrel for ejecting the nail fed in the barrel. A magazine is connected to the barrel so that the magazine is rotatable relative to the body so that the magazine is rotated a new position and used in a space that the conventional magazine cannot be inserted.

Abstract: The invention discloses a user selectable shaped staples and a stapler for dispensing said user selectable staples. The stapler has a replaceable guide housing assembly designed for the particular user selectable staple having components including a punch, die and guide conforming substantially to the shape of the head of the staple for driving the user selectable staple into a designated material, such as sheets of paper, selected for said fastening method. The staples are comprised of a head portion and parallel leg portions with the legs extending substantially perpendicular from the planar head portion and wherein the head portion is of a style depicting a form such as a trademark, company logo, a letter or symbol of any kind.

Abstract: A nail-hammering apparatus includes a hammer, a first solenoid, a second solenoid and a control device. The hammer can hammer a nail into a workpiece. The first solenoid can be turned on so as to drive the hammer. The second solenoid can be turned on in order to drive the hammer after the first solenoid. The spring tends to bias the hammer to its original position when the second solenoid is turned off. If the nail has not entirely enters the workpiece, the control device turns on the second solenoid so as to drive the hammer one more time.

Abstract: A forward acting stapler includes a unique linkage for driving a firing lever. The linkage includes two links which are each connected to the trigger lever by a roller. The roller is movable within a spot in the trigger lever. As the handle is driven, the two links cause the triggering level to pivot. As the trigger lever pivots it lifts a plunger against a spring force. At some point, the trigger portion releases the plunger allowing the plunger to be returned by the spring force by a staple.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: Method of joining together two planar members, by a friction stir welding operation wherein a rotary tool having a probe is moved relative to a joint region defined between the mutually butted planar members such that the probe is rotated and inserted in the joint region. The welding operation is performed by using a tab plate having a cutout formed in its end face such that the cutout has a width not smaller than a radius of a peripheral circle to be described by the shoulder surface, and a depth not smaller than a minimum radius of the probe and not larger than the radius of the peripheral circle.

Abstract: A method is provided for placement of a first workpiece onto a second workpiece. The first workpiece is initially positioned at an origination location and the second workpiece has an attach location different from the origination location. A first place step is performed to displace the first workpiece from the origination location to an intermediate location different from the origination and attach locations. A second place step is performed to displace the first workpiece from the intermediate location to the attach location and the first workpiece is attached to the second workpiece at the attach location.

Abstract: A method and structure for controlling solder spread in a predefined/designed area during flip chip assembly build is disclosed. Using conventional processes used in the art blind holes or dimples are incorporated onto the lead frame which then act as containers or wells trapping the solder and thereby preventing it from spreading wider.

Abstract: Known manufacturing methods for microstructure components, in particular for microreactors, micro-heat exchangers, and micromixers, are not reliable enough to ensure that the component's pressure and corrosion resistance is high enough, that the component's tightness against fluid exiting from the component or fluid spilling over into adjacent microchannels is high enough, and that the microchannels have a sufficiently low flow resistance. In addition, known manufacturing methods are not cost-effective enough that the microstructured components can be employed in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A solder flux composition (19) is provided which comprises active ingredients and a carrier. The solder flux composition undergoes a phase separation during solder reflow to form at least a first phase (21) and a second phase (23), such that the active ingredients are disposed primarily in the first phase and the carrier is disposed primarily in the second phase. The use of this solder flux composition is found to reduce solder migration, during solder reflow, that can result in bridging in ball grid arrays and other such devices.

Abstract: An improved wire bonding process for copper-metallized integrated circuits is provided by a nickel layer that acts as a barrier against up-diffusing copper. In accordance with the present invention the nickel bath is placed and remains in hydrogen saturation by providing a piece of metal that remains in the nickel plating tank before and during the plating process.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out. wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.

Abstract: The invention is a triangular shipping container that is easily closed, easily opened, and that is reusable. The container is formed from a cardboard sheet that is provided with a number of mating male and female tabs.

Abstract: The tray comprises a bottom (1) of the tray; a couple of headers (2); a couple of sides (3); a polygonal column (4) on each of its corners; and two top flaps (6), each of which extends horizontally from one of the headers (2) to the inner area of the tray; the tray also comprises inclined folding lines (7) that allow the folding of the headers (2) and the sides (3) on the bottom (1) of the tray; and it is characterised in that said inclined folding lines (7) are located on the headers (2) and on said top flaps (6).

Abstract: Containers of the wraparound and tray style are provided, having enhanced stacking strength and general robustness, through the provision of internal and external reinforcing panels and flanges. Variations of the basic invention are provided with closure flaps of varying configuration and placement; end walls and minor flaps with angled side edges to provide for containers having inclined sides; regions of weakness, removable portions of panels and/or preformed apertures to permit conversion of the containers to display/merchandising modes; gusseted corner structures to provide for containment of fluent materials; and enhanced transverse support structures.

Abstract: A false act of a clerk at a store is monitored at a host computer under utilization of a communication network by detecting a false key operation in reference to a count which can be flexibly set in an item sales register or the like. The sales processing unit reads out in sequence the stored function numbers, collates them with the function numbers of the depressing limit in sequence, and if the result shows a coincided state, the sales processing unit adds 1 to the limit counter of the corresponding key, compares the value of the limit counter of the corresponding key with the corresponding limit count of the depressing limit master, and if the value of the limit counter exceeds the limit count, the sales processing unit outputs to the communication unit an instruction that the fact showing of the depressing action of the corresponding key exceeded the limit count is sent to the host computer, and causes the communication unit to send it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for writing tire information to a tire pressure monitoring sensor.

Abstract: An automate card package mailer for preparing card packages (60) composed of one or more cards(50) attached to matching carrier forms (33) for mailing has a carrier folding apparatus that is programmable to fold the carriers into different configurations including Z-fold, C-fold, bi-fold and no-fold, has a controller (42) that controls the movement of carriers by different amounts relative to a first folding arm to achieve different first folds, folds the carriers by pushing the fold location on the surface of the carriers into the nib of a first pair of folding pinch rollers with a first pivotally mounted folding arm after guiding the carrier with a slanted guide and an arcuate guide to the desired position beneath the folding arm, makes a second fold with a second pivotally mounted arm that pushes another fold location on a carrier into the nib of a second pair of rotating pinch rollers while a holding member holds a folded section upright in a well.

Abstract: Generally described, under on aspect of the invention, a single unique delivery notice is left at the particular location. However, just before it is left, this notice is electronically “linked” to the parcel(s) which were undeliverable. This can be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device which includes a conventional scanning means, allowing information to be scanned from the delivery notice as well as labels on the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. If ten parcels were undeliverable, only one delivery notice is left behind but is electronically “linked” to all ten packages. The intended recipient can then contact the delivery service via the internet (or other suitable network) or by phone, by using information provided on the delivery notice. By providing the delivery service with unique information from the delivery notice, the intended recipient can get valuable information regarding the undelivered parcels.

Abstract: Techniques for distributed production control include tagging unfinished products with electronically accessible production information that identifies aspects in which the products are to be produced differently. The production information is used to control an aspect of the production of a given product.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine capable of verifying the authenticity of bank notes while maintaining high-speed execution of transactions. The machine comprises a bill validator outputs a result of verification of whether a received note could be classified or not, and a cash box for notes unclassified by verification results, and a cash box for notes other than unclassified notes. After transaction hours, re-verification is carried out, in which notes are retrieved one sheet at a time from the unclassified note box and sensed again by a sensor, and the bill validator receives a signal from the sensor and re-verifies the note by using an algorithm with higher accuracy than in verification at the time of a receiving transaction.

Abstract: A media storage device for use in self service terminals (SSTs) is described. The storage device comprises a media storage container 28 including flexible fingers 30 protruding into the interior of the container, and a media loading assembly 26 including a movable plate 44 which can be operated to transfer media from the loading assembly 26 to the container 28. The flexible fingers 30 serve to retain stored media in a compact and ordered arrangement, so improving storage efficiency. Embodiments of the invention may also include a scissor type arrangement of arms 54 in the loading assembly 26, arranged to increase the effective stroke length of the movable plate 44 without increasing the required depth of the loading assembly.

Abstract: In a system and method for securely storing and controlling the dispensing of a payout, the system includes a payout dispenser for securely storing and dispensing a payout, and a terminal for controlling the dispensing of the payout and for interfacing with an attendant in connection with the payout. The system further includes a network for interconnecting the payout dispenser and the terminal. The system may also include a device for indicating a payout payable responsive to the input of a person to whom the payout is payable, wherein the payout indicating device may be connected to the payout dispenser and the terminal by a network. The system may further include a device for enabling the dispensing of a payout breakage amount which is the difference between the payout in a payout dispenser denomination and the payment to be paid out.

Abstract: A transaction apparatus (10) includes a multifunction card (12) and a portable terminal (14). The multifunction card includes a programmable memory (18) and a magnetic stripe (16) thereon. The programmable memory on the card is used to store indicia corresponding to account data which is input to the memory by reading with the terminal magnetic stripe data from a plurality of conventional magnetic stripe cards. The programmable memory further includes data representative of cash value as well as instructions, prompt messages and icons presented in conducting transactions. A user is enabled to operate the apparatus to select one of the accounts stored in memory, and to write account data corresponding to the selected account to the magnetic stripe of the card. The user is also enabled to use the apparatus to enter visible indicia such as bar codes and to selectively reproduce the bar codes on the display of the apparatus.