Abstract: The present invention relates to a froth flotation mechanism located in a flotation cell, comprising a directional element suspended from the lower end of a hollow shaft extending to the lower section of the cell and vertical vanes attached to said directional element, which extend above and below the directional element and horizontally beyond the directional element. The substantially horizontal circular plate of the directional element is symmetrically attached around the shaft at its centre and the outer edge of the central plate is bent downwards to form the lap of the guiding part. The gas spreading plate is located on the inner side of the lap. The flotation cell is comprised of a cylindrical lower section, a middle section located above it in the form of a truncated cone widening upwards, and a cylindrical upper section attached to the top of it.

Abstract: An improved disposable filter cartridge for use in a filter housing includes a pleated filter member and first and second plastic end caps mounted to the ends of the filter member. The first end cap has an inner edge defining a central opening. In one embodiment, an elastomeric annular gasket is removably mounted to the inner edge of the first end cap. In another embodiment, a predetermined surface of elastomeric annular gasket is adhered to a confronting surface of the first end cap. At least one annular ridge projects into the first end cap opening. The at least one ridge abuts the outer surface of an inlet tube to form a fluidic seal with the inlet tube when the disposable filter cartridge is mounted within a cooperative filter housing. The second end cap may include an elastomeric annular gasket having an angled sealing surface configured to form a seal against the confronting end of an inlet tube.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric for a filter excellent in cleaning efficiency and trapped matter retention volume is constructed by two or more different kinds of fibrous layers placed one over the other. The nonwoven fabric has an average pore size from 30 ?m inclusive to 60 ?m inclusive and a total pore area at 0.011 cm2/cm2 or more with respect to an entire surface of the nonwoven fabric. The average pore size is calculated according to a bubble point method as defined in ASTM F-316-80 with use of a Coulter Porometer II.

Abstract: A fluid separation system includes a tank with a storage chamber for retaining floating and non-floating particulates. The tank includes a baffle for retaining floating particulates within the storage chamber and for directing flow out of the storage chamber. The tank also includes a bypass with an inlet flow control zone and an outlet flow control zone. The flow control zones are separated by a weir sized and positioned to regulate the fluid flow through a baffle port into the storage chamber. The weir also provides control of the flow rate at which incoming fluid is diverted directly through the bypass to the tank outlet rather than into the storage chamber. The baffle and/or the weir may be curved, and the baffle may include a complex curve, to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the storage chamber to improve particulate separation.

Abstract: An add-on storage device for flat objects, particularly CD and/or DVD cases, is made up of box-shaped housing elements which are open at the front and lie against one another with facing side walls. Clip-shaped connection elements are pushed onto adjoining side walls which form a common edge, in a predetermined fastening region from the open housing side and from the opposite bottom side, to engage over the side walls at the inner surface of the housing elements. In the fastening region, the open side at the inner surfaces of the adjoining side walls have a depression and/or elevation, and the connection element has an associated elevation and/or depression. The elevation and/or depression of the inner surface of the side wall forms a positive lock-in connection with the associated depression and/or elevation at the connection element.

Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

Abstract: A wine rack for mounting on a wall or other surface, the wine rack including at least a first and second pair of support members. In one embodiment, the first pair of support members may support at least a first and a second wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the second bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the first wine bottle is visible to a person standing in front of the wine rack. The second pair of support members may support at least a third and a fourth wine bottle in a substantially parallel relation to the wall, wherein the fourth bottle is positionable proximate the wall, and wherein the label of the third wine bottle is visible to the person standing in front of the wine rack. In one example, a pair of frame elements may be attached to the support members in order to mount the support members to the wall.

Abstract: An accessory holding device for holding a plurality of accessory devices, such as hair clips, bows, barrettes, ties, and other hair accessories; as well as various items of jewelry. Internal attachment members hold clip type devices, while various posts, suspension devices, flexible attachment members, drawers, and retainers are provided to accommodate a wide array of items. The device may be relatively open, formed only with a base and sides, or may be enclosed with top, back, and face plates, in differing embodiments. The device may be free-standing, and may have suction grips to enhance adhesion to various surfaces. It may also be provided with a mounting device so that the entire device may be hung on the wall, back of door, or other surface. The device may have mirrors on various surfaces and may be fitted with an interior light.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: The device applies to a crane having multiple functions, with a modifiable configuration, which comprises a foldable mast, composed of two elements, and a distributing jib, composed of a plurality of successive elements. This device comprises a double-acting jack connecting a lower rod assembly to an upper rod assembly. The lower rod assembly is connected to the lower part of the upper mast element and to the upper part of the lower mast element. The upper rod assembly is connected to the upper part of the upper mast element and to the jib foot.

Abstract: An infant feeding pouch is provided which has collapsible walls mounted to a structural supporting fitment. A nipple for feeding an infant may be attached to the fitment.

Abstract: A flow control element (e.g., a baby bottle nipple or a child sippy cup flow control valve) that includes a tube-like wall section defining a flow channel, and a substantially flat membrane supported by the wall section such that membrane impedes flow through the flow channel to an external region. The membrane punctured to form multiple, substantially round pinholes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that remain closed to prevent fluid flow under normal atmospheric conditions, and open and to facilitate fluid flow rate through the membrane under an applied pressure differential (e.g., when sucked on by a child). The wall section has a greater rigidity than the membrane (which is formed from a relatively highly elastic material). Different sized pinholes are produced using different sized pins, thereby facilitating different flow rates in response to different applied pressure differentials. The pinholes are generated while stretching the membrane in a radial direction.

Abstract: A closure (10) having a sealing rib (14) projecting downwardly from the underside of its top portion (11). The first portion (15) of the sealing rib (14) increases in thickness as it extends away from the top portion (11). In another aspect, the invention relates to a closure (10) in which the sealing rib (14) has a third portion (18) that is substantially no thicker than the second portion (17) of the rib (14) and has a length longer, and preferably substantially longer, than its thickness. In the second aspect, the third portion (18) of the rib (14) is connected to the second portion (17) at or adjacent its free edge and extends generally in a direction away from the top portion (11). Upon attachment of the closure (10) with the neck (22) of a container, the third portion (18) will be displaced to lie between the end portion (23) of the neck (22) of the container and the top portion (11) of the closure (10).

Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing containers, as well as doors and closures therefor, for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container comprises at least three nested bands of material wherein the bands are oriented relative to one another to substantially enclose a volume and to form a container wall having a thickness substantially equivalent to the sum of the thicknesses of at least two of the bands. The containers have utility as cargo holders, particularly in aircraft where weight is an important consideration, and as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.

Abstract: A glass frame includes a cross-section that has a substantially polygonal profile with at least one re-entrant angle, and is intended to keep two plane substrates separate around their periphery. The frame may keep a space between two glass sheets, such as in the production of plane and hermetically sealed glass envelopes for use as field-emission screens.

Abstract: A dispensing closure (10) for a drinks container, having a closure body (100), the passage opening (126) of which is in communication with the outlet opening of the container, a closure element (200) and a flexible dispensing tube (300). A pinch member (280) is arranged on the closure element (200), and a mating holder (180) is arranged on the closure body (100). A cover (120) of the closure body (100) has a stepped stub (124) with an outlet opening (126) for the flexible dispensing tube (300). The flexible dispensing tube (300) is matched to the stub (124). An annular shoulder of the flexible dispensing tube (300) bears against an annular stop face (130) of the flexible tube holder (122, 124) and is widened by an annular bead (332) which engages in an annular groove (132) of the second step (134). The flexible dispensing tube (300) covers the annular shoulder (122).

Abstract: A collapsible refuse can includes a can body, a bottom, a cap, a pedal and a cap opening member and plural bag hangers. The can body consists of two half shells combined by means of elongate hooks, with the bottom fitted firmly in a lower open side with an open upper side closed with a cap possible to be opened by the cap opening member, when the cap opening member is lifted up by the pedal stepped down. And a refuse bag is secured on an upper inner surface of the can body by means of the plural bag hangers. Then the collapsible refuse can has a small size when collapsed, beneficial for carrying, transporting and storing.

Abstract: A disposable beverage container lid that includes a top wall with a drinking opening formed therein, an annular sidewall downwardly depending from the periphery of the top wall for engaging with the rim of a beverage container, a regulator valve formed directly underneath the drinking opening, and wave-breaker and periphery inhibitor recesses formed in the top wall, to greatly minimize accidental splashing of the liquid from the cup. The regulator valve includes side and bottom walls with apertures formed therein, with the apertures including generally taper shaped portions terminating in irregularly shaped edges. The wave-breaker recess has a sidewall portion that reflects waves of liquid from the regulator valve, and a sloped sidewall portion that defines a channel with the annular sidewall in which the regulator valve is disposed. The inhibitor recesses extend down into the channel to prevent waves of liquid traveling therethrough.

Abstract: A power control circuit used in a vending machine having a bill accepter and vending main units controlled by the bill accepter is disclosed to include a pulse signal generator installed in the bill inlet of the bill accepter and adapted to generate a triggering signal upon insertion of a bill into the bill inlet of the bill accepter, a driver, and a trigger, which controls the driver to drive the bill accepter between the power-saving stand-by mode and the work mode subject to the presence of the pulse signal from the pulse signal generator.

Abstract: A label sheet assembly is provided with bar code information thereon defining the layout of the labels on the backing sheet. A versatile label dispenser apparatus advances the label sheets and deflects them over a peeling bar in one direction to partially separate the labels from the backing sheet; with the advancing action being determined by the bar code information. The label sheet assemblies are then deflected in the opposite direction, and are routed in a substantially flat condition to the output of the dispenser apparatus. The labels are partially dispensed, substantially vertically from the dispenser, and a substantial number of sensors are provided to sense when all of the labels have been removed; and then the dispenser advances the label sheet assembly to partially dispense the next row of labels. The bar code reader may also sense the leading edge of the label sheet assembly to accurately control the incremental advancing of the label sheet assembly.

Abstract: A container, method and system for dispensing a solid product held in a distributable container having an opening. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the container preventing contact with the solid product by a user. A dispenser, fixed at a dispensing location, is adapted to receive the mechanical interlock of the container. A power source is operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to power the mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of the solid product from the container.

Abstract: A dispenser which assists an individual in dispensing a substance from a squeezable tube. The dispenser has a bottom-located rotating wheel, that when rotating, causes a volume of material within an incorporated tube to be expelled out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A container which is adhered, in an inverted orientation, to a vertical surface (such as a wall or other vertical surface) of a kitchen, sink, or bath room by a stretch release adhesive, wherein said stretch release adhesive is resistant or substantially resistant to water and humidity, which container comprises: a) one or more side surfaces, an end surface and a surface comprising an orifice; b) a self-sealing valve which covers said orifice; c) a construction or coating that is resistant or substantially resistant to external corrosion; and wherein said container is dispensed by hand through the application of a force whose principal component acts perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the vertical surface; is described.

Abstract: The device to store, sift and measure flour has a container that is generally rectangular in cross section, and that is relatively tall in relation to its horizontal dimensions. A sifting mechanism divides the container roughly in half vertically, and a measuring mechanism is disposed just below the sifting mechanism. Flour is stored in the upper portion of the container, and sifted and measured flour is received into the lower portion of the container, preferably into a removable drawer.

Abstract: Dispenser for delivering portions of pasty substances has a tubular housing with a plunger, an emptying nozzle, a squeeze head, a handle and a stationary cover. The plunger is displaced in the tubular housing in a stepwise manner during emptying actuation in a direction of the emptying nozzle. The nozzle is associated with the squeeze head that can be pressed in the direction of the plunger and can be actuated via the handle. The stationary cover closes an opening cross-section of the emptying nozzle. The handle, upon pressure actuation, pivots about a point which, in relation to the emptying nozzle is located on an opposite side to an actuating-button surface of the handle, and the emptying nozzle pivots away sideways beneath the cover.

Abstract: A pressurizing beverage dispenser removably attaches to the threaded neck of a container and includes a main body having a handle portion and a head portion. A valve spout on the head portion is moveable between a closed position and an open position. A hand operated squeeze bulb pump fitted to the handle delivers air through the discharge opening and pressurizes the container interior when the valve spout is closed. The handle portion can be structured and disposed to hold the squeeze bulb in a manner which prevents undesirable movement of the squeeze bulb and blockage of airflow to the container.

Abstract: With the subject invention, a pump is formed that generally includes a reservoir formed to accommodate at least one fluid dose, and a fluid-collecting chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir. The fluid-collecting chamber includes a dose-control portion which encompasses a volume defined by two dimensions. A first piston is disposed to urge fluid from the reservoir and at least into the dose-control portion. A second piston is disposed to reversibly slide within at least the dose-control portion of the fluid-collecting chamber. A nozzle is also provided which is located such that fluid displaced by the second piston from the dose-control portion is generally urged towards the nozzle. A check valve may be placed in the fluid path between the dose-control portion and the nozzle.

Abstract: Cap for a container with a valve, with a container attachment which comprises an actuation surface, an extension pipe for receiving the valve and a discharge channel connected to the extension pipe, a cover element which—pivotally mounted relative to the container attachment—in a first position at least partially covers the actuation surface and in a second position protrudes from the container attachment, and a channel element which has a substantially cylindrical form, is rotatably mounted in the container attachment about its longitudinal axis and comprises a passage channel for a medium to be dispensed, the channel element being coupled to the cover element in such a manner that in a first position of the cover element the passage channel is rotated into a position connected to the discharge channel and in the second position of the cover element is rotated into a position blocking the discharge channel.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser head comprising a body (1) forming a dispensing duct (14) having an outlet (143) defining an outlet axis X, and a shutter (2) fitted to the body (1) for the purpose of selectively closing off the dispensing duct (14) at its outlet (143), the shutter forming a dispensing orifice (22) that is closed in the absence of fluid under pressure in the dispensing duct, said shutter being provided with sealing means (24) and with fixing means (25a) co-operating respectively with complementary seal-receiving means (15) and with complementary holding means formed by the body (1), the fixing means comprising at least one fixing profile (253) facing radially outwards relative to the outlet axis X, and the holding means comprising at least one holding profile (193) facing radially inwards towards the outlet axis X.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic fitment with child-safe properties for attachment to a container component of film-like plastic material, including a tubular body portion defining a through passage having axially spaced ends, a welding rib, and a cap. Also disclosed are flexible pouch or beverage package comprising the fitment and a process for using the fitment.

Abstract: Methods of using carnival beads to create twisted bead structures. A plurality of primary bead strands and shorter Prep pieces are twisted together in order to create quaternary structures having particular three-dimensional configurations. The structures can be interlocked together to form larger structures. The twisted beads can be coated with a protective coating.

Abstract: An adjustable decorative framework system has a vertical member with an axis with an upper end, a lower end, and a circular cross sectional configuration with a common diameter over the majority of its axial extent with a semi-cylindrical recess at the central extent and an aperture through the midpoint. A horizontal member has an axis with a first end and a second end having a circular cross sectional configuration with a common diameter equal to the diameter of the vertical member over the majority of its axial extent with a semi-cylindrical recess at the central extent and an aperture through the midpoint. A central bolt and an associated wingnut extend through the aperture of the vertical member and the horizontal member whereby the wing nut may be loosened to vary the angular orientation between the members and tightened to retain the angular orientation between the members.

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling the tension of a moving web material. A web material is transported with an apparatus. A modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is determined for the web material. The modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is used to adjust an instantaneous gain of the web control system. The instantaneous gain is used in the control calculation of the control system. The control calculation is used to control the speed of a web handling drive. Controlling the speed of at least one appropriate web handling drive controls the tension of the web.

Abstract: A synchronous fine tunable material feeding mechanism includes a platform, a control member and a link device. A side panel is installed separately on both sides of the platform, and a top panel is installed on the side panels. A fixed roller and a movable roller are disposed between the two side panels. The two control members are disposed at the top panel and elastically push against the movable roller. The link device is disposed between the two control members and is capable of simultaneously driving one control member according to the movement of the other control member and to elastically push the movable roller synchronously to produce a downward force with a constant pressure.

Abstract: A stapler having a detached base supporting an anvil and a first magnetic element, and a stapling assembly for ejecting staples from a magazine port. The stapling assembly supports a second magnetic element positioned for magnetic coupling to the base to align the anvil with the magazine port. Accordingly, the staple-driving stapling assembly and detached anvil-supporting base are not mechanically coupled. Instead, the stapling assembly and base are magnetically couplable. The magnetic coupling feature eliminates throat depth limitations and allows for staple placement at any desired location on a sheet of any size. An alignment guide may be provided to visually indicate an approximate location where a driven staple will be placed. The base and stapling assembly may be provided with friction pads for limiting movement of any sheets therebetween while stapling.

Abstract: A method for insulating a bonding wire that includes the steps of attaching a bonding wire to a bond pad and coating the bonding wire with an insulating liquid while drawing the bonding wire through a bond tool from the bond pad to a package lead.

Abstract: The multilayer flexible wiring board includes first and second patterned wiring layers, a resin film interposed between a surface of the first wiring layer and a surface of the second wiring layer, and a bump connected to the surface of the second wiring layer. The resin film is adapted to form an opening when the bump is forced into the resin film and an ultrasonic wave is applied to the bump. The bump is left in the opening to electrically connect the top of the bump to the first wiring layer.

Abstract: Two beams 17 and 18 perpendicular to a moving trajectory Q are formed in an intake port opening 14 of a cylinder head material to serve as margins for interfering with deformation of the opening 14 due to softening of the material, thereby a deformation of the material and a void caused by the deformation can be prevented in the frictional stirring with the rotary tool.

Abstract: A recess formed in close contact with a thin-walled portion 3a of a workpiece to store molten metal at a surfaced portion, a jig 4 manufactured from a material with a higher heat-resisting temperature than that of the molten metal and a satisfactorily large heat capacity, a step (A) wherein the jig is installed on the workpiece, a preheating step (B) in which the workpiece and the jig are preheated to a predetermined temperature under the condition that jig 4 is installed, a build up welding step (C) for build up welding the thin-walled portion of the workpiece and forming weld beads at surfaced portion, and a jig-removing step (D) for removing the jig after weld beads solidify completely.

Abstract: To reduce the capacitance of an electronic module having an active component (1) bonded to a base (2), thereby enabling its cutoff frequency to be raised, the method provides a plurality of contact pads (P1, P?1, P2, P3, P?3) and a plurality of contact zones (Z1, Z?1, Z2, Z3, Z?3) on the component and on the base respectively. First structures (P1, P?1, Z1, Z?1) are adapted to be bonded together by melting solder. Second structures (P2, Z2) of small surface area are designed to be bonded together by thermal compression delivered by the mutual force of attraction that results between the component and the base due to the solder melting. The invention is particularly applicable to making optoelectronic components used in high data rate optical transmission systems.

Abstract: A system for opening or extracting postal items and for franking postal items includes a franking apparatus for franking postal items, an opener or extractor for at least opening postal items, and a transport structure for transporting the postal items. The franking apparatus and the opener or extractor are arranged along the transport structure at least when in an operating condition. A method for opening or extracting postal items and for franking other postal items involves serially transporting the postal items to be opened or extracted along a transport path, opening or extracting each one of the postal items that is passed along the transport path, also transporting each of the other postal items to be franked along the transport path, and applying at least one postage mark on each of the postal items to be franked that is passed along the transport path.

Abstract: A computer system for enabling collaborative document markup between participants is provided. The computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device operated by a participant involved in a collaborative document markup session in conjunction with at least one document markup form containing information relating to the document markup session and including coded data indicative of an identity of the document markup form and of a plurality of map references of the document markup form. The indicating data includes data regarding the identity of the document markup form and a position of the sensing device relative to the document markup form. The sensing device generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data when placed in an operative position relative to the document markup form.

Abstract: A method for enabling collaborative document markup between participants is provided. The method is performed via a document markup form containing information relating to the document markup session and coded data indicative of an identity of the document markup form and of a plurality of map references of the document markup form.

Abstract: A system having a host having information regarding at least one transaction card account. The host functions to transfer card data to a drone card carried within the host. The host includes a biometric sensor or other suitable identification means for authentication of the user prior to use of the drone card. Once the user is authenticated, the drone card provides a readable identifier that corresponds to a transaction card account selected by the user. The functions of host could alternatively be integrated into the drone card.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (12) includes at least one processor (36) which operates to cause transaction function devices (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) to operate to carry out banking transactions for users of the machine. A software environment (54) operates in the processor and includes a hardware independent software application (60) which application may be operated successfully in a plurality of brands of automated teller machine hardware. The automated teller machine verifies that the software application has been authorized by an appropriate authorizing entity before the application is enabled to cause operation of transaction function devices.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a first transaction account device to a second transaction account device wherein a card number associated with, or defined as, a first transaction account (e.g., stored value account) is re-associated with, or re-defined as, a second transaction account (e.g., credit card account).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for electronically capturing and storing paper records for accounting purposes using a mobile handheld device with an integrated digital camera or scanner. This method involves digitalizing a paper receipt with a digital camera or scanner, manually entering accounting data into a form presented on the display of a handheld device and performing a wireless transmission of the digital image of the paper record together with the entered information to a record storing system. The storing system securely stores the digital image of the record for future references and transmits manual entered record data to an accounting application using existing telecommunication or data networks.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal including point of sale transaction circuitry, and a socket for selectably receiving and supporting a mobile computing/communicating device and for permitting communication between the mobile computing/communicating device and the point of sale transaction circuitry. The point of sale transaction circuitry is operative both independently of and in cooperation with the mobile computing/communicating device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remote authorization of fuel dispensing using identifying indicia associated with a customer. An exemplary system according to the present invention includes a fuel dispensing station interfaced with a central terminal that is interfaced with an off-site terminal for transmission and receipt of identifying indicia, customer authorization, and related information. The fuel dispensing station may include an identification document reader or other receiving means for extracting identifying indicia presented by a customer.

Abstract: The invention is a method, system, programmed processor and a program stored on a storage medium used for providing voter confirmation that electronically cast ballots have been properly registered.