Abstract: The self-contained octopus adapter of the invention has a plurality beer outlets and sits between the pump and the Sanke coupler and transmits beer out and air in through channels similar to those in the devices on either side. The beer supply to any given one faucet of the plurality of faucets or taps is not sent through a single hose line at any time and the flow of beer or other beverage may be increased. Seals on the device will aid in maintenance of pressure and avoidance of leaks. No division of the hose lines is necessary, nor external pressure increases, and thus the unit is self-contained. In an alternative embodiment, the invention may comprise a self-contained pump replacement unit having a CO2 or other gas cartridge which sits upon the various devices of the beer flow path and provides gas from above.

Abstract: A tilting valve for dispensing a product from a pressurized container includes an opening/closing element with at least two inlet apertures. The opening/closing element is capable, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element laterally to a longitudinal axis of the tilting valve, of moving from a closed position to a first open position in which the product under pressure is dispensed at a first flow rate. The opening/closing element is further capable, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element parallel to the longitudinal axis, of moving from the closed position to a second open position in which the product is dispensed at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate.

Abstract: A beverage carrier includes an elongated axial support element extending parallel to a central reference axis between a top end and a bottom end, a pair of resilient clip arms each extending in a substantially arcuate locus about the central axis from the top end of the axial support element, a pair of base arms each extending in a substantially arcuate locus about the central axis from the bottom end of the axial support element, a pair of support struts each extending in a substantially arcuate locus about the central axis from the axial support element at points between the top end and the bottom end to an end joined with the associated base arm, and a bottom support element extending from the bottom end of the axial support element and transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting objects that may be carried on one's back and is convertible into a seat and/or berth. The basic form of the device is a rucksack.

Abstract: Tool holder devices are provided, which are designed to hold tools having spring clip mechanisms. In one aspect, a tool holder device comprises a guiding portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to engage a spring clip of a tool for mounting the tool. The guiding portion is adapted to guide a spring clip towards the mounting portion as a person slides the tool from the guiding portion to the mounting portion while maintaining contact between the spring clip and the guiding portion.

Abstract: On a roof rack fixedly connected with the vehicle roof, a so-called loading aid is arranged which, in a loading position, can be swung out inclinedly on the sides of the vehicle, so that bicycles or the like can be placed on this loading aid by means of corresponding transport fixtures and, after being fitted with the bicycles, the loading aid can be pushed back into a transport position onto the roof.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing articles is provided. The system is particularly well-suited for stabilizing plastic grocery bags during transport in a vehicle. The system comprises a stabilizing element that, when in use, extends from a first point to a second point and passes through the handles of a bag to be stabilized. Preferably, the first and second points are fixed, either detachably or semi-permanently, on the sidewalls in the interior of a vehicle. Further, the stabilizing element preferably is flexible. In addition, the stabilizing element preferably can be disconnected from the second point and also preferably, the stabilizing element can recoil into a location at the first point so that only a portion of the stabilizing element is visible. Other preferred embodiments of the present invention, including those with intermediary fixtures or intermediary support features, as well as those with multiple stabilizing elements, also are disclosed.

Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.

Abstract: A carrying bag, particularly a backpack, comprises a receiving container for receiving objects to be taken along, and a carrying device connected to the receiving container. The carrying device is decoupled in its movements from the receiving container by the provision of string lines which can be displaced in the direction marked by the arrows.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and dispensing a plurality of solder columns in an array. The apparatus includes a vibrator and an elongated alignment plate supported on the vibrator. The alignment plate includes a plurality of longitudinal guide grooves. A transparent cover is secured on the alignment plate and shaped to cover part of the guide grooves. A parts feeder is operatively associated with the alignment plate to feed solder columns over the upstream end of the alignment plate. The solder columns are received in the guide grooves and fed toward the downstream end of the alignment plate while the alignment plate is vibrated by the vibrator. The solder columns are arranged in an array within the guide grooves so that a vacuum pickup tool may readily capture the cylindrical body of the solder columns.

Abstract: The machine is adapted to supply, manipulate and position steel strip, fed from a coil, so as to bring it into gapped relationship beneath the side wall of a partly constructed, elevated tank. This is done so that the strip can be welded to the side wall to add a course. It is the objective to ensure that the tank wall is plumb (vertical) and in radius (both as to curvature and relative to the center of the tank) and that the width of the gap is optimized, at the weld point. The machine comprises a ‘floating’ main frame or platform suspended on a mobile undercarriage by four pivotally mounted cylinders. The cylinders are independently responsive to instruments monitoring the elevation, levelness and plumbness of the tank wall and the width of the gap. The main frame carries the coil and carries the strip and the tank wall in the vicinity of the weld point.

Abstract: A welding condition monitoring device for monitoring the welding state of a welding work portion by taking an image thereof by an image sensor having a wide dynamic range and capable of taking an image covering a very bright welding portion and relatively dark portion. The monitoring device selectively emphasizes the outputs of the image sensor for any of luminance areas of the image taken by the image sensor using a sensor output characteristic table and can provide an image clearly showing both the very bright welding portion and the dark bead portion with a sufficient contrast allowing an observer to reliably recognize the objects in the image.

Abstract: A method for testing soldering quality is provided for determining the solder quality of pins, leads, a connector or an electronic component mounted on a circuit board. A soldering contact, soldered to the circuit board, is enclosed by melted solder during soldering and generate a different color from that before soldering. The color difference allows the soldering quality of the soldering contact to be determined by visual inspection and prevents inferior products from entering subsequent fabrication processes, thereby improving the soldering reliability.

Abstract: A method facilitates replacing a portion of a gas turbine engine turbine support. The turbine support includes a body including a forward leg, an aft leg, and a mounting flange that each extend radially outwardly from the body. The forward leg is axially upstream from the aft leg and the mounting flange. The mounting flange is substantially axially aligned with respect to the aft leg. The method comprises cutting through at least one of the body, the aft leg, and the mounting flange, removing the forward leg and at least a portion of the body that is upstream from the cut from the engine, and coupling a replacement spad to the portion of the turbine support that is downstream from the cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate is presented. The method comprises providing a substrate; attaching a preform to the substrate, the preform comprising braze alloy and wear-resistant particles; and bonding the preform to the substrate to form a wear-resistant coating.

Abstract: A furnace brazing process for metal parts of which at least one part is tubular, includes positioning of the filler metal, preferably as a pre-formed member inside said tubular part, and successive reheating inside the furnace to induce the melting of the filler metal and the accomplishment of the joint.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive electrical and electronic components which are connected to a board by soldering during the installation process are protected from the heat during the soldering process in order to prevent permanent damage to the components. The solder connections of the component are thermally coupled to a protection apparatus during the soldering process, so that some of the heat which is introduced into the solder connections during the soldering process is passed to the protection apparatus. The protection apparatus also has a protection sleeve, which surrounds the component in places. The protection sleeve is advantageously composed of a thermally insulated material, and is provided with a coating with a high thermal reflection capability in places on its outer wall which faces away from the component.

Abstract: A container for shipping and/or storing a stack of paper is disclosed. The container, according to a disclosed embodiment, comprises a bottom wall and first and second upright, opposing side walls extending from respective edges of the bottom wall. First and second shell portions are connected in a pivotal manner to respective edges of the bottom wall. The shell portions are pivotable toward and away from each to close and open the container, respectively. When the container is closed, the stack is securely contained between the shell portions and the side walls for shipping or storing. When the container is opened, at least two opposing sides of the stack are exposed to facilitate removal of paper from the container. A handle for carrying or lifting the container may be coupled to one of the shell portions.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing the length of tape ready for application on a package, the dispenser including a frame, a feed mechanism, a cutting mechanism, and an applicator. The frame has a storage area for storing tape therein. The feed mechanism is connected to the frame for feeding tape from the storage area. The cutting mechanism is connected to the frame for cutting the length of tape dispensed from the dispenser. The applicator is connected to the frame and adapted for applying an additional element to the tape when the length of tape is dispensed. The application of the additional element to the tape provides the length of tape with a predetermined characteristic. The additional element applied by the applicator is selected from a number of different additional elements. Each additional element has a different predetermined characteristic so that when applied to the tape, each of the different additional elements provides the length of tape with a different corresponding predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: A mailing or shipping container, made of corrugated cardboard, is formed from a single scored piece of corrugated cardboard that when folded provides multiple layers of support at the corners of the box providing extra strength for protection against crushing. The container is constructed so as to permit folding in such a way as to be self locking and has pressure sensitive adhesive means applied to interior surfaces for sealing the container when folded. The mailing or shipping container has added layers of cardboard at the rear corners and added layers of cardboard at the front corners to provided increased protection from crushing, depending on the aspect ratio of the final assembled container. All layers are foldably deployed and implemented from a single sheet blank of substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard, by defining suitable scores and cuts in the blank material.

Abstract: An electrical discharge stock prod having a circuit that prolongs battery life by monitoring power input and modifying the prod discharge characteristics. The circuit allows the prod to deliver a consistent voltage level to discharge electrodes, even though the power sources may vary. Preferably, the circuit is operated by a micro-controller. Additionally, by virtue of an improved transformer configuration (which lowers the voltage potential between the primary and secondary cores) and strategically placed polypropylene (which reduces carbon arcing) and increased isolation between primary and secondary windings within the transformer, safety of the prod is substantially enhanced. Preferably, the voltage to the discharge electrodes of the prod can be infinitely adjusted within a predetermined range of voltages, energies, and/or pulse rates to allow the prod to be effectively used on subjects having different physical parameters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a user-friendly information processing apparatus capable of transferring electronic information from one recording medium to another recording medium while maintaining versatility of enabling connection to an external device. In this information processing apparatus, when a control unit detects that a memory card with an adaptor has been inserted in a PC card slot and allows read or write of electronic information, and an MO disk has been inserted in an MO disk slot and allows read or write of electronic information, a message that electronic information can be transferred is displayed on a monitor. The user sees the display, can grasp at a glance that electronic information can be transferred at present, and can understand that a press to a copy button starts transfer.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and device for return of lost articles, comprising a label affixed on the article/item, an instant registration of the user, and a central registry identified upon the label having contact information associated with the user. Lost and found locations will be made aware of the device and system of the present invention and will offer it to consumers upon purchase of a product, rental of an item or service, hotel/rental counter check-in or rental counter. The labels of the invention contain a centralized database telephone number or web address, and an anonymous owner number. The centralized database and return center then communicates with the owner informing them of their found item.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) accepts deposit items such as currency, checks, gift certificates or other items of value. Deposited items after being accepted in the machine and processed are moved to the container (260). The container includes an interior area (268) which is bounded by a shaker member (282) on which deposit items are supported. The machine is operative to control operation of an actuator (290) which moves the shaker member to impart shaking motion to deposited items (278) to facilitate the compact storage thereof within the container. The container is enabled to be removed from the machine to facilitate removal of the deposited items. Movement of the container out of and away from the machine is facilitated by rollable supports (296) and a retractable handle (298).

Abstract: The invention relates to the following fields:

Abstract: A method for improving the readability of composite images by determining available areas on a document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink and printing one or more 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available areas. The one or more auxiliary 2-D bar codes are printed in luminescent ink, either invisible or lightly colored when viewed under white light.

Abstract: Email content, email lottery ticket and methods that emulate a scratch ticket effect using DHTML programming code. As DHTML execution code is permitted in HTML enabled email software without fearing the introduction of malicious virus code, the method can advantageously be applied for sending emails containing scratch tickets enabling email recipients to win prizes. The method proposed emulates efficiently the necessary interactive image manipulation in DHTML code to provide a scratch ticket effect. The resulting email message is extremely compact in size and is well suited for mass emailing of very large quantities of scratch tickets. Additionally, the ticket may have multiple layers such as virtual latex layer (200) and secret layers (100). A selected number of such secret layers may reveal symbol sets (102) that correspond to prizes that may be claimed by the email recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of placing multiple bar code cards and or other data cards onto a single card. This method is achieved by placing stickers that have a bar code and or other data on them and placing the stickers on the edges of the face on both sides of the card. The stickers can be arranged along both sides of the card to allow up to eight different bar codes and or other data on one card and still allow the user to scan each bar code and or other data through a card reader separately.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is transparent or translucent to human viewing yet detectable by automated card processing equipment. The card includes a substantially planar material sheet having upper and lower surfaces bounded by a continuous peripheral edge. The material sheet has one or more areas that are at least minimally transparent or translucent to human viewing. A filter associated with at least one of the areas provides sufficient opacity to light used by card sensors in the automated card processing equipment to render the card detectable.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a user for an account is provided. The system comprises a form factor enclosing a microprocessor, a first memory associated with the microprocessor, authentication information stored in the first memory for the account, a display device, a microcontroller in communication with the microprocessor, a second memory associated with the microcontroller, an input device providing a data entry interface for the user to the form factor and a card reader interface selectively connecting the microprocessor to a remote card reader. In the system, the microcontroller is adapted to receive authentication data from the input device provided by the user, to evaluate the authentication data against the authentication information and to enable the card reader interface if the authentication data is validated against authentication information.

Abstract: A device is presented including a processor having a main memory. The processor includes a state synchronization process. A state memory is attached to the processor. A display, an interface and a transmitting/receiving device are also attached to the processor. The state synchronization process transmits state data to the state memory and to an external device.

Abstract: A radio operated data card whose outer jacket forms a sealed protected housing for internal electrical components, including an RFID integrated circuit which incorporates data storage and a radio frequency transceiver, and one or more on-card antenna structures. Manually operated electrical switching elements, or antenna structures which are responsive to the positioning of conductive members, such as the human hand, at particular locations on or near the surface of the card, are connected to the on-card electronic circuitry. The switching elements or antenna elements are selectively operated by the cardholder who manipulates the card in predetermined ways to generate data signals that may be used to activate the card, store data in the card, or transmit data to the reader.

Abstract: In a noncontact type IC card, writing of data is executed when a voltage level of an operating voltage generated from a received power wave is a level suitable for the writing of the data to a nonvolatile memory, and it is recognized that the data write operation is normally terminated when the voltage level of the operating voltage is the level suitable for the writing of the data to the nonvolatile memory even after the writing of the data.

Abstract: IC card receiving power from terminal and performing process, IC card comprises storage storing first identification information uniquely assigned to IC card, acquisition unit acquiring second identification information from terminal, first timer including first change unit whose state changes with lapse of time without power, state of first change unit changing from first initial state to final state via intermediate state, first timer outputting first signal indicative of changed state of first change unit when IC card receives power, comparison unit comparing second identification information with first identification information, determining whether second identification information and first identification information are identical, and providing first initializing signal according to at least one of determined results, and controller initializing first change unit to first initial state when receiving first initializing signal, controller further controlling IC card to make it inhibit process until stat

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: A coupling device having a body portion is adapted to be mated with an end cap assembly of a fuel injector. The body portion has a connecting portion spanning between a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector at opposing ends thereof. A first set of conductive leads connects the first electrical connector to a first set of solenoid wires and a second set of conductive leads connects the second electrical connector to a second set of solenoid wires. The first set of conductive leads spans the connecting portion to connect the first electrical connector and the first set of solenoid wires. An end cap and coupling device as well as a fuel injector assembly using the coupling device is provided. A method of manufacturing the coupling device also is provided.

Abstract: An irrigation system provides fertilization by distributing a chemical additive onto a soil such as a golf course. The irrigation commences with a flowline carrying water, and a pump pumps a chemical additive directly into the flowline. The chemical additive mixes with the water, and the mixture ultimately reaches a sprinkler head where it is sprayed onto the soil for treatment. A reservoir, pump, motor, and control system are enclosed within a housing. The reservoir holds an additive and is connected to the pump, allowing the additive to flow from the reservoir to the pump. The motor operates the pump, which pumps the additive into the flowline. At least one sensor monitors at least one characteristic of the additive. The feedback control system reads the feedback data from the sensors, controlling the flow rate of the additive through the pump into the flowline.

Abstract: The first object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser for volatile material such as a volatile aromatic or chemical agent, capable of promptly diffusing the volatile constituent of the liquid into a surrounding air in a simple operation. The second object of the present invention is to enable a long-term storage. The third object is to provide a compact diffuser enabling a user to enjoy different aroma according to a time and a place. The diffuser has a flexible casing having an inner space and a vent hole formed therein and a breakable glass capsule enclosing a volatile material, and a liquid-absorbent member.

Abstract: Hot-melt equipment is provided with Internet as well as Intranet connectivity capabilities, resulting in numerous service, maintenance and cost efficiencies. The equipment is configured as a web server which contains web pages presenting an operational status of the equipment to a remote user, such as a vendor's technical support person, in a user-friendly format, such as HTML. The web pages allow the user to browse through numerous parameters of the equipment, and facilite remote control or trouble-shooting of the equipment. The hot-melt equipment is also provided with email capability to notify, by emails in human-readable form, a service center of a scheduled maintenace task or an abnormal operation mode of the equipment.

Abstract: A thermal spray gun of the present invention is capable of forming a good-quality ceramic spray coating. According to the machine, a flame generated in a combustion chamber of the machine is sent into a passage formed from the combustion chamber and through a discharge port that communicates with the combustion chamber, and then the flame is discharged from the discharge port to outside of the machine. A spray material is fed to the flame passing through the passage so that the spray material can be softened or melted by the flame and can be jetted out. An auxiliary fuel is fed to the flame passing through the passage to increase a temperature of the flame.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly comprising an engine camshaft driven piston plunger in a plunger body, a control valve, an electromagnetic actuator for stroking the control valve between limiting positions and a valve stop assembly establishing a first limiting valve stroke position when the control valve is fully open and a second valve stroke position corresponding to a reduced fuel delivery pressure prior to a main fuel pressure pulse in a fuel injection event.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fog, said apparatus having ultrasonic circuitry for producing ultrasonic energy for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a receptacle having a recess in the bottom thereof and a surface located at an upper part of said recess for containing said liquid, said recess defining a space devoid of said liquid, wherein said ultrasonic circuitry is located on a bottom of said surface in said recess and positioned such that said ultrasonic energy produced by said ultrasonic circuitry is transferred to said liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system comprising an atomizer for producing a mist of sub-micron sized fluid droplets. Also provided by the present invention are fluid delivery systems, a system for treating an exhaust stream by injecting an atomized spray, a catalytic system for treating at least one chemical species, and a system for humidifying an air stream for use in fuel cell.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or disposed within or on a body, which in turn is mounted to the chassis. The storage and dispensing apparatus has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus is also included. The conveyor assembly can include a dual auger arrangement. The vehicle includes a spreader chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a spreader. A liquid storage system for storing liquid is provided. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.

Abstract: A rotor plate for a sprinkler includes a water impingement surface bounded by an annular peripheral wall and having a radial center, and adapted to be impinged upon by a stream emitted from a nozzle. The water impingement surface is formed to include at least one radially extending drive channel having an entrance proximate the radial center and an exit in the peripheral wall, the drive channel curving from entrance to exit in a first direction so as to cause the plate to rotate when the stream exits at an offset from the center of rotation; at least one range channel extending substantially radially with little or no curving, from entrance to exit; and at least one brake channel curving from entrance to exit in a second direction opposite the first direction to thereby resist rotation of the plate caused by at least one drive channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a material having discrete elements, such as loose fill insulation. The apparatus includes a supply of the material and an applicator assembly for activating a substantially water-free adhesive for providing structure to the material during installation. In the preferred embodiment, the applicator assembly includes: a nozzle having an inlet for receiving the material and an outlet for applying the material to a surface; and an adhesive applicator adjacent to the nozzle for activating the substantially water-free adhesive to provide structure to the material having discrete elements during installation. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a transporter system downstream of the supply of material for delivery of the material to the applicator assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to mix in a mixing chamber within the apparatus a waterless paint concentrate maintained in a reservoir within the apparatus. The concentrate is stored in the reservoir in a concentration unsuitable for application to a paintable surface. The concentrate is mixed with water received into the mixing chamber under external waterline pressure forming a paint suitable for application to a paintable surface. The paint is then discharged from the apparatus through a spray nozzle. Mixing occurs in the apparatus concurrently with discharge through the nozzle as water flows through the apparatus. The apparatus as largely a container of waterless paint concentrate with a simple mix and discharge spray head attached is disposable after consumption of the concentrate without need for cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to portable dispensing means having a spray head (1) and a spray material storage canister (2), the spray head (1) and the canister being attachable to one another and also being subsequently detachable from one another, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is in use it can be sert so that spray material within the canister can move into the spray head and pass from the spray head to an atmosphere outside of the dispensing means in the form of a spray, the dispensing means being formed such that when it is in a normal in-use orientation and is activated the spray can proceed from the spray head in a substantially vertical or upward path of travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol-producing device (1) comprising an injector device (5) in which an aerosol (2) is produced from a carrier gas and a liquid. The carrier gas and the liquid are each supplied in controlled quantities to the injector device (5) via at least one throttle (8, 9) of a throttle system.