Abstract: Here is presented a versatile technique for machining of nanometer-scale features using tightly-focused ultrashort laser pulses. By the invention, the size of features can be reduced far below the wavelength of light, thus enabling nanomachining of a wide range of materials. The features may be extremely small (<20 nm) and are highly reproducible.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an electrical wiring line includes a laser generator for generating a laser beam, an optical beam branching element for branching a laser beam generated by the laser generator into a plurality of branch beams, and a condenser element for condensing the branch beams branched by the optical beam branching element (the optical beam branching element can also serve as the condenser element). The condenser element may be a condenser lens which is separate from the optical beam branching element. The power and the focal depth of the branch beam may be adjusted. When the substrate has a transparency to the laser beam, the branch beam is directed to the electrical wiring line formed on the substrate from the opposite side to the surface having the electrical wiring line.

Abstract: As the output of laser oscillators become higher, it becomes necessary to develop a longer linear shape beam for a process of laser annealing of a semiconductor film. However, if the length of the linear shape beam is from 300 to 1000 mm, or greater, then the optical path length of an optical system for forming the linear shape beam becomes very long, thereby increasing its footprint size. The present invention shortens the optical path length. In order to make the optical path length of the optical system as short as possible, and to increase only the length of the linear shape beam, curvature may be given to the semiconductor film in the longitudinal direction of the linear shape beam. For example, if the size of the linear shape beam is taken as 1 m×0.4 mm, then it is necessary for the optical path length of the optical system to be on the order of 10 m.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel with a preformed heating member, having an inner rim portion; a cushion layer disposed about the inner rim portion; and a preformed heating element disposed about the cushion layer; wherein the cushion layer is applied using a molding process and the preformed heating element and the inner rim portion are inserted in a mold used for the molding process prior to the application of said cushion layer therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible printed circuit board for use in a control handle. The circuit board includes resistive heating elements for heating electrical components in the circuit to limit the formation of frost and condensation on the components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying heated sealants, such as molten polymeric material, to surfaces such as for filling cracks in pavement surfaces. Aspects of the invention include block cutting assembly, heated dispensing hose, and crack filling applicator head. By way of example, the block cutting assembly comprises a ram device for driving sealant blocks against a heated cutting member which severs the blocks to speed liquefaction within the heated sealant chamber. An associated enclosure incorporates a loading door preferably configured for operation in response to the position of the ram device. The heated dispensing hose may comprise a heating element running through the interior of the hose to heat sealants as they pass through the hose. The crack filling applicator head comprises a dispensing tube upon which a sealing chamber is coupled for retaining a quantity of liquid sealant proximal to the pavement surface being filled.

Abstract: A stove (10) comprising a baking muffle (12) is disclosed. Within the baking muffle (12) guide means (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) for receiving at least one heatable cooking bowl (22) are provided, wherein the cooking bowl (22) comprises a substrate layer, in particular a bottom, at the outside of which a directly heatable heating layer is provided which is coated by an insulating layer (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A heated proofing cabinet with improved air flow and minimal air leakage comprises an enclosure having an interior space and an access door. A blower is positioned to supply forced air into the interior space of the enclosure and at least one heater is positioned to heat the air. A venturi air flow chamber has an entrance end connected to receive forced air from the blower and an exit end connected to deliver air to the interior space of the enclosure. A first air duct receives air from the exit end of the venturi air flow chamber and distributes the air to the interior space of the enclosure, and a second air duct receives air from the interior space of the enclosure and directs the air to the blower. Temperature and humidity levels within the interior space of the enclosure are controlled.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic heater making it possible to heat the whole of a subject to be heated uniformly. The ceramic heater of the present invention is a ceramic heater wherein a resistance heating element is arranged on a surface of a disc-shaped ceramic substrate or inside the substrate, characterized in that the resistance heating element is composed of a mixture of a resistance heating element having a concentric or spiral pattern and a resistance heating element having a pattern of repeated winding lines.

Abstract: A bake plate is integrally formed from a copper disk whose lower surface defines a desired heater element channel pattern that is filled with electrically conductive resistive material. Copper contamination is prevented by coating the structure. The channel pattern and fill material may be tailored to optimize thermal uniformity across the bake plate surface, and to produce a bake plate that may be mass produced with substantially uniform and repeatable thermal characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to an improved oven controller structure, which adds an external insulating cover to a controller disposed at the periphery of an oven according to the position of placing the oven, and the controller could be changed to one with cable transmission, wireless sensing, or embedded controller according to the predetermined configuration. The controller is detachable from the oven, and the oven can be controlled rapidly by a controller at the outside of the housing and the information about the operation of each component of inside the oven is known.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radon mitigation using convection versus a fan to exhaust soiled radon contaminated air from beneath a building or dwellings foundation slab. Two suitable orifices one at each end of a dwellings foundations slab are created. On top of one orifice, a section of pipe with a heating element inside is placed. This is coupled with additional sections of pipe and routed vertically thru the dwellings roof. The heating element creates convection, which draws the air beneath the slab up exiting the dwelling at the roof. At the opposite end orifice a fresh air inlet pipe is placed drawing air from outside of dwelling. A suitable layer of gas permeable material is required under the slab for fresh air to flow. One major advantage of the heating element opposed to a fan is its indefinite life span.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a preformed heating member is disclosed, the preformed heating element comprising: a first layer having a conductive layer for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat, the conductive layer being disposed on a sheet of formable film; and an outer layer disposed over the conductive layer; and a second structural layer adhered to the first layer, wherein the preformed heating element is capable of being configure to be positioned over a corresponding location.

Abstract: A method for joining vehicle components together to form a vehicle frame assembly where the components are formed from dissimilar materials such as metallic and non-metallic materials. A composite body mount bracket may be attached to a structural component of a vehicle body and frame assembly by providing a body mount bracket having an opening formed therethrough and by providing a first structural component formed from a metallic material also having an opening formed therethrough. The body mount bracket is then positioned adjacent the first structural component such that the respective openings are aligned with one another. A second structural component formed of a metallic material is then inserted through the aligned openings. Next, the second structural component is welded first structural component through a magnetic pulse welding technique, and lastly, the second structural component is pulse formed or deformed so as to mechanically clamp the body mount bracket thereto.

Abstract: An impeder, for manufacturing a welded pipe, including an insulating case 4 containing laminations 10 having coated steel sheets 8 formed by providing an insulating coating on untreated steel sheets having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less and an insulating case 8 containing the laminations, wherein the steel sheets contain 1.5-20% of Cr, 2.5-10% of Si, and 100 ppm or less of C and N in total, or further contain one or more of Al, Mn, and P, where the content of Al is 5% or less and the content of each of Mn and P is 1% or less, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities; and preferably have a resistivity of 60 &mgr;&OHgr;·cm or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work plate arrangement (1) comprising a work plate (2) and a hot plate (3), said hot plate (3) being inserted in a recess (4) of the work plate (2). In order to provide a work plate arrangement (1) which also enables a wok to be used for cooking purposes in a simple manner, the hot plate (3) is provided with a bowl (5) which is made of a glass ceramic material and which protrudes into the recess (4) of the work plate (2), said bowl being used to receive a wok and having a heating device arranged thereunder (5).

Abstract: In a method for wrapping an article in a sheet of thermoplastic wrapping material, the temperature of an at least partly metal belt (5) looped and induction heated to seal wrapping material (4) is detected by detecting a first signal (S1) related to the voltage (V) applied to the belt (5), and a second signal (S2) related to the current (I) circulating along the belt (5); and by calculating the electric resistance (R) of the belt (5) as a function of the first and second signal (S1, S2); the electric resistance (R) of the belt (5) being related to the temperature (T) of the belt (5).

Abstract: In a continuous flow microwave heater for heating a fluid including a microwave source connected to an applicator so as to supply microwave energy to the applicator, the applicator is a rectangular block-like resonator space with opposite front walls and side walls with a microwave in-coupling opening in one of the side walls through which the microwave energy is supplied to the resonator space in which a linearly polarized base mode TE10 is excited. A dielectric tube extends through the resonator space to conduct the fluid to be heated through the applicator, the dielectric tube being so arranged that the microwave energy supplied to the applicator is completely dissipated into the fluid flowing through the dielectric tube.

Abstract: A combination hood and microwave oven, in which the construction of a drive circuit relating to an exhaust device is simplified, reducing its manufacturing cost, and in which the number of user's manipulations required to operate the exhaust device is reduced, providing convenience of use to the user. The combination hood and microwave oven includes a variable suction hole whose suction area is variable, a variable suction hole motor allowing a suction area of the variable suction hole to vary, an exhaust motor allowing air sucked through the variable suction hole to be discharged outside the combination hood and microwave oven, an exhaust motor drive unit controlling a rotational speed of the exhaust motor, and a variable suction hole adjusting unit that controls the variable suction hole motor to allow a suction area of the variable suction hole to vary according to the rotational speed of the exhaust motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical box extension that includes an extending member for switch and/or plug mounting having one or more fastening brackets, one or more base fastening brackets and one or more fasteners that together with optional contact points provide for mechanical and electrical connectivity between the extending member and its associated electrical box and provide sufficient mechanical resistance to support the adjustable elevation of the elevating member thereby supporting a flush surface for surface mounted sockets, switches and their associated plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing and transporting products, wherein, from plastic, foldable containers are manufactured, in particular injection molded; the foldable containers, at a filling location, are brought in a set-up condition and are filled with products; the filled containers are transported to a position of use; the foldable containers are emptied and are collapsed; the containers, in collapsed condition, are returned to the filling location; and the containers are cleaned and reused. The invention further relates to a foldable container which is injection molded from plastic in one piece with integrated hinges, and to specific methods for use of such plastic container.

Abstract: A storage device is provided which includes at least first and second frames and a plurality of support members for maintaining the first and second frames at a spaced distance apart. The support members and frames define the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depends between the first and second frames and the support members to form side walls of the device. The device is movable between a flattened condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of the frames. This user manipulation includes rotating the frames relative to each other to twist the device and move the device between the flattened and erected conditions. When the device is in the collapsed or erect conditions, the support members are substantially straight.

Abstract: A liquid shield member for a paper product container is provided. The shield member may include a water impermeable tray including at least one side wall and a bottom wall. The side wall of the tray may include at least one contact portion that is capable of contacting a side wall of the paper product container. The contact portion may extend inwardly. The paper product container may fit within the tray so that at least one side wall of the container contacts the contact portion of the side wall of the tray. The shield member may also include a plastic film material wrapped around at least a portion of the container, where the film material is perforated to form a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of the film material is removed from the container, and the first portion of the film material remains covering at least a bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A fusible bung for sealing an opening in a threaded flange on a liquid container. The bung is formed as a unitary body of polymeric material that includes cylindrical, concentric interior and exterior walls separated by a vent passage and interconnected by a unitary venting fuse. The exterior wall is threaded for mounting of the bung and includes an annular shoulder and separate sealing ring for providing a gas-tight seal to the container flange. The interior wall is supported by the exterior wall via the venting fuse, which is formed during molding of the bung as a thin-walled section of the polymeric material which melts and ruptures at elevated temperatures. The central region within the interior wall can include either a unitary cover member or can have a threaded bore to receive a separate relief valve.

Abstract: A vacuum container for preserving food is disclosed herein that includes a cover member for covering an upper part of a container member in which food is filled, a piston member equipped with the cover member and ascending and descending movable, and first and second valve members that alternately operate by a pumping operation using ascending and descending operation of the piston member to make a suction aperture and an exhaust aperture alternately open and close, thus discharging air from within the container member. Such operation allows the interior of the container member to become a vacuum state, thereby allowing food within the container member to be preserved for a longer time period, in a more sanitary manner, and a simple manufacture and a low manufacturing cost to provide users with convenience.

Abstract: A cover for connecting sockets of a storage container for liquids has a plastic cover body divided into first and second cover parts. The first cover part is attached to the container top and has a first end face opening surrounded by an opening rim. The second cover part is pivotably connected to the first cover part and has a closure rim resting in the closed position on the rim of the top. The second cover part has a second end face opening and a cover rim surrounding it. The cover rim extends in a plane slanted relative to the closure rim of the second cover part. The cover rim covers in the closed position the opening rim of the end face opening of the first cover part. When open, the second cover part surrounds the first cover part with clearance and is supported on the first cover part.

Abstract: A tank for storing a fluid is provided. The tank has an outer shell defining an inner volume for containing the fluid, a filler opening in the outer shell for placing the fluid into the tank, and a partition within the outer shell. The partition divides the inner volume into a first lower portion, a second lower portion, and a common portion. A first drain opening is located in the first lower portion and a second drain opening is located in the second lower portion. The partition separates the first lower portion from the second lower portion such that when the tank is in an operating position the fuel is prevented from passing between the first lower portion and the second lower portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides liquid surge suppressors and methods of manufacturing such surge suppressors. In one exemplary implementation of the invention, a surge suppressor includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal members, each of which is joined to the other longitudinal members at a first junction and at a second junction spaced from the first junction along a central axis. A generally planar medial disk may lie in a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis and having a generally circular central orifice. The medial disk being joined to a portion of each of the longitudinal members intermediate the first and second junctions and defining a fixed relationship between the longitudinal members.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a closing element for a packaging for receiving liquid or paste-like material, especially for film bags, comprising: a closable spout member, a weld member adjoining the closable spout member, and an outlet channel which extends through the weld member and the spout member, and to a film bag comprising such a closing element. To improve the pouring characteristics and for an easier emptying of the contents of the bag, the outlet channel in the weld member extends at least in part in funnel-like manner towards the spout member.

Abstract: A container for nail care articles comprising: the lower container portion that includes a door and a rotating shelf unit mounted inside the lower container portion for rotating therein, the rotating shelf unit including at least one shelf, the at least one shelf being disposed within the lower container portion to support a plurality of articles including nail polish bottles; wherein by manually opening the door a user is enabled to manually rotate the rotating shelf unit thereby permitting easy access to the plurality of nail polish bottles from the rotating shelf unit.

Abstract: This invention concerns a pillow in combination with a hot/cold insulative drink holder, the combination comprising a center mounted insulative drink holder projecting into one side of the pillow, and stitching for securing the insulative drink holder in integral assembly with the pillow. The insulative drink holder thus defines beverage vessel-receiving socket structure with an inside surface of the socket being insulated to preserve preexisting temperature of fluid in a beverage vessel when the same is lodged in the beverage receiving socket structure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lid arranged for receipt within a container that has a tapered wall structure and a base. The lid includes a peripheral portion and a central portion integrally attached to each other. The peripheral portion is collapsibly deformable toward the central portion as the lid is movably oriented within the container toward the base.

Abstract: A pill sorting apparatus is provided and includes a system for retrieving pills from a container and then dispensing those retrieved pills to a bin where they can be administered to a patient by a healthcare professional. The pill sorter includes a sorting mechanism that prevents excess pills from being delivered to the bin marked for patient delivery and instead, an automated system directs the excess pills to a bin where the pills are collected for return to the pill source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading and assembling disposable hand-held label applicators (“labelers”) in which individual unbacked labels are cut and loaded in a stacked arrangement into a tubular labeler. The labeler is operable in the rapid and flexible fashion necessary to utilize the devices on irregularly shaped objects, as well as flat surfaces, without the need for mechanisms designed to peel away a backing material or rollers to apply moisture or adhesive to a label before application.

Abstract: An improved coupon dispenser device is disclosed comprising an outer box having a sloped front end with rectangular opening therein, a channeled inner sleeve longitudinally extending through the outer box, and a curved, spring-loaded pusher member therein contained and directed to urge a stack of folded coupon sheets axially through the sleeve and to the opening in the outer box in a deflected manner. The inner sleeve is constructed having channeled top and bottom wall surfaces substantially saw-tooth in their configuration and further formed having a sloped profile at its open front end conforming with the sloped front end of the outer box. The sloped front end of the outer box is formed in two divergent planes established by separate top and bottom panels positioned on either side of the opening so that the outermost coupon sheet is delivered at the opening with its leading flap extending therefrom in a position of easy retrieval for the consumer.

Abstract: The instant invention proposes to utilize pre-cut unbacked labels releasably attached to one another in a stacked arrangement within a disposable tube having one open end. The labels have a diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of the tube and have adhesive on one side with the adhesive sides facing the open end of the tube. A spring biased compression mechanism at the closed end of the tube serves to urge the stack of labels-toward the open end of the tube. When the outward-facing label contacts the object to be labeled, the label is released from the stack and adheres to the object exposing the next label in the stack.

Abstract: A medical device dispenser as disclosed wherein the medical device is typically cylindrical in shape, and contains a stent on a platform. The stent is maintained in a sterile position prior to release from the medical device dispenser. The stent on the platform is held in place by a release mechanism which prevents a spring mechanism from activating. Once activated, the spring mechanism forces the stent out of the package so it may be used in conjunction with a catheter. Other types of medical devices are also contemplated, such as filters, distal protection devices and other cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device includes a punch at one end, a central body, and a capture port at the other end of the central body. The punch punctures a wall of a fluid container. Drinking fluid flows into the central body. The drinking tube is inserted into the port to allow one to drink fluid from the container. The device allows one wearing a protective suit in a contaminated environment to obtain drinking fluid from a standard, commercially-available container.

Abstract: System for supply of compressed gas including one or more pressure tanks (6), a compressor (2) which can be controlled via first control member (7) and is arranged to supply the pressure tank or pressure tanks (6) with compressed gas, where the first control member (7) is arranged to adopt an active position when the compressor (2) is controlled to operate. Compressed gas is delivered to the pressure tanks, and a passive position when the compressor (2) is controlled not to operate.

Abstract: A spring biasing element for causing a temperature responsive shifting element mounted on a plunger to shift at a selected temperature, or at a selected time interval, so as to intermittently spray fluid from a dispenser attachable to a container containing a fluid, the dispenser being ringlessly attachable to the container adjacent the cover of the container valve and includes an actuator operative the fluid to be released from the container into the dispenser, and an intermittent dispensing assembly that provides an intermittent fluid output, the intermittent dispensing assembly including a temperature responsive shifting element, the temperature responsive shifting element being shiftable in response to temperature changes in the dispenser and being generally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: A foam shooting toy having a head containing a hand operated pump that compresses air into a container. When foaming solution is placed in the container, compressed air from the pump passes through a foamer, which foams the solution. The foam is released from the container through a nozzle by a trigger. The foam shooting toy may contain a valve permitting the alternative use of shooting water instead of foam.

Abstract: A hand-held container for liquid is provided, having a main body and a burstable membrane that is located over and seals peripherally with an outlet of the main body. The membrane can be broken by either squeezing the main body or by squeezing a ring to which the membrane is attached. A spout guides the liquid from the outlet of the main body after the membrane is broken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is designed to supply water to aircraft galleys. The inventive device operates simply, autonomously and independently and is provided with a simple structure. Said device is characterized in that it comprises a system which supplies a quantity of pressurized water from bladder tank I of a container, consisting of a receptacle (1) and a cover (2), and which recovers an equivalent or greater quantity of contaminated water in bladder tank S of the same container. In this way, there is no longer an outflow of water. The invention requires no electrical or pneumatic pump. The pressure in the water circuit is generated by the spring (4) which is compressed in the container when bladder tank I is being filled with drinking water and which acts on the piston (3), which in turn compresses L The water circuits are reduced to a minimum. The inventive device is installed in a pressurized area and eliminates all frost-related risks.

Abstract: A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a chamber therein. The chamber is adapted to hold a flavoring component. The dispenser body has a first dispenser end, suitable for drinking therefrom, and has a second dispenser end, adapted to be positioned within the bottle when the dispenser is engaged with the bottle. The plunger is slidably disposed at least partially within the dispenser body for movement from a first plunger position to a second plunger position, in which the plunger penetrates a portion of the dispenser body to create a passageway. When the plunger is in the second plunger position and a cap is in a first cap position, the plunger end cooperates with the cap to seal the cap opening.

Abstract: A bottle system includes a plurality of squeezable interior bottles, a sleeve, and a mixing nozzle. The squeezable interior bottles are operable for separately storing a plurality of materials. The interior bottles each include at least one outlet for dispensing the materials when the bottle system is squeezed by hand. The sleeve is operable for being engaged with the interior bottles. The interior bottles are held in proximity to each other when engaged with the sleeve. The mixing nozzle is coupled to the bottle system proximate the outlets. The mixing nozzle receives the materials stored in the interior bottles and combines the materials to produce a mixture when the bottled system is squeezed by hand. A method includes distributing a bottle system that includes a plurality of squeezable interior bottles, a sleeve, and a mixing nozzle. The squeezable interior bottles are operable for separately storing a plurality of materials.

Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.

Abstract: A toy water shooter may be worn in a concealed manner on a user's forearm, beneath clothing. The shooter includes a pressurizable bladder that may be filled with water and which is plumbed to a trigger-operated nozzle mounted on a wrist support. The bladder may be pressurized by pumping an air bulb, which fluidly communicates with the bladder. The trigger is mounted in a position that allows it to be operated by thumb movement. In an alternate embodiment, the bladder may be worn around the user's waist.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices or for a reformer, includes (a) a container defining a volume for holding a liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the volume and into which at least one portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be metered, such as by pumping; (c) a retainer to hold the wicking structure in a desired orientation within the container; and (d) an outlet for the liquid fuel that is in communication with the wicking structure. A method of dispensing liquid fuel and a method of assembling a fuel cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjunction with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.