Abstract: An apparatus for processing a work-piece (80) includes a laser source (102) and a first lens assembly (108). The laser source is configured for emitting laser beams. The first lens assembly is configured for adjustably focusing the laser beams onto the work-piece. The first lens assembly is disposed in optical alignment with the laser source and includes a first lens set having a positive refractive power and a second lens set having a negative refractive power. Because of the first lens assembly, the laser beams emitted from the laser source can be focused accurately onto the work-piece, and then the apparatus for processing the work-piece has accurately focused laser beams as a result.

Abstract: The thermal processing device includes a stage, a continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source, a series of lenses, a translation mechanism, a detection module, a three-dimensional auto-focus, and a computer system. The stage is configured to receive a substrate thereon. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source is disposed adjacent the stage, and is configured to emit continuous wave electromagnetic radiation along a path towards the substrate. The series of lenses is disposed between the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source and the stage, and are configured to condense the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation into a line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation on a surface of the substrate. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the stage and the line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation relative to one another. The detection module is positioned within the path, and is configured to detect continuous wave electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method of pacing a desired travel speed of a manual arc welding process performed by a welder for depositing weld metal on a workpiece and along a test groove with a given test length defined by a visible start location and a visual end location using a specified amount of energy distributed generally uniformly in the groove between the locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled welding machine that uses serializing and modulating circuits to transfer modulated data packets to a welding power source across a weld cable. A transmitter transmits the data packets of desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source across a weld cable also designed to carry welding power from the power source to the wire feeder. The transmitter and other electronics of the wire feeder are constructed to use only a small amount of power which, preferably, is supplied by a DC power supply external to the wire feeder. The DC power supply is designed to provide power to the electronics of the wire feeder when the wire feeder is in a standby mode of operation.

Abstract: For avoiding the selection and storage of PTC heating elements with different departures from rated heating power, additional tolerance PTC heating elements are held ready which uniformly have a lower rated heating power, preferably one half or third of the rated heating power, compared to the standard or primary PTC heating element. By the use of a second standardized heating element, i. e. the tolerance PTC heating element, the storage of a high number of PTC heating elements with different departures can be dispensed with and a cheaper manufacture can be permitted.

Abstract: A system for detecting an alignment of a sensor mounted on a vehicle and a method of making the same is disclosed. The system includes a vehicle windshield having the sensor mounted thereto at a predetermined location. At least one conductive strip is included having a first and a second end, wherein the conductive strip is attached to the windshield. The system further includes at least one conductive point disposed between the windshield and the sensor and mounted at the first and the second end. The conductive point establishes a closed circuit between the conductive strip and the sensor so long as the sensor is mounted to the windshield at the predetermined location. Upon displacement of the sensor from the predetermined location, an open circuit occurs between the conductive strip and the conductive point. Accordingly, the sensor generates signals indicating the misalignment of the sensor.

Abstract: A heated hairdryer employs flat, thick film ceramic heaters. The ceramic heaters are high Watt density, low mass, resistance heaters that operate at a high temperature. A conductor is applied to one or both sides of either a fired or green ceramic plate. The conductor is then applied in circuit tracks upon the ceramic surface or surfaces. The conductive material is then covered by a second plate or by glass or other high temperature enamel to prevent the conductive circuit from oxidizing. The plate is then fired at high temperatures. These ceramic heaters can be formed into a variety of configurations for use as hairdrying heating elements.

Abstract: An electric oven has a housing defining a cooking chamber, a door hinged on the housing and pivotal between an open position and a closed position, at least one rotatable rack supported by one of the removable racks, and rotation actuation means for rotating the rotatable rack about an upright axis and positioned peripherally and tangentially to the rack. The rotatable rack has a circular outer edge. The actuation means has a pinion engaged with a circumferential edge surface of the rotatable rack at the edge thereof.

Abstract: A plate-shaped heater having a PTC temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the plate-shaped heater, and a steam cooking apparatus including the same. The plate-shaped heater includes an insulating substrate, a heating element formed of a resistor pattern-printed on the insulating substrate to generate heat, and a PTC temperature sensor to sense a heating temperature of the heating element. The PTC temperature sensor is pattern-printed on the insulating substrate, and therefore, has the effect of eliminating the risk of unintentional separation thereof, and achieving a simplified manufacturing process and reduced manufacturing costs. The PTC temperature sensor is disposed on the insulating substrate in an axis of direction having a wide distance between neighboring temperature contour lines, to achieve accurate temperature sensing capability thereof.

Abstract: The steam cooking apparatus includes a cooking compartment and a steam generating unit disposed at the outside of the cooking compartment and adapted to generate steam to be supplied into the cooking compartment. The steam generating unit includes a steam generating container to receive water therein, the steam generating container having a partitioned steam generating space, and a plate-shaped heater to heat the water received in the steam generating container. The plate-shaped heater includes a plurality of heating elements having different outputs from one another, thereby having the effect of enabling rapid and proper supply of steam required to cook different foods. The steam generating container is provided with an intercepting member, which divides the steam generating container into a water level sensing chamber and a steam generating chamber. The intercepting member prevents fluctuation of water level between the steam generating chamber and the water level sensing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system (10) operable to provide power and control through a rotating interface. The system (10) generally includes a control unit (12) and a distributor unit (14). The control unit (12) is operable to generate a power signal having a plurality of power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is operable to rotatably couple with the control unit (12), receive the power signal from the control unit (12), identify power transitions within the power signal, and generate a plurality of output signals corresponding to the identified power transitions. The distributor unit (14) is also at least substantially powered by the power signal to enable generation of the output signals.

Abstract: An ingredient cooking-operation recognition system is provided which is capable of precisely specifying an ingredient that is cooked by a person and a cooking operation for the ingredient, and accurately estimating a cooking recipe for a dish that is prepared by the person.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature detection apparatus having a radiant temperature detection section including at least a ray emission portion which radiates at least rays and a ray detection portion which detects the rays, and capable of detecting temperature without contacting a detection object, a first atmospheric temperature detection section which outputs temperature information having a high temperature follow-up property in a case where the atmospheric temperature of the radiant temperature detection section is not more than predetermined temperature, and a second atmospheric temperature detection section which outputs temperature information having a high temperature follow-up property in a case where the atmospheric temperature of the radiant temperature detection section exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining element 1 mand a suitable method for its attachment on a surface 42 of a component 40. The joining element 1 comprises a sleeve-shaped accommodation part 10 for the accommodation of an element to be attached in the interior 12, a flange-like extension 20 with an indentation 22, which is developed in such a way that the joining element 1 can be attached on the surface 42 by filling the indentation 22 with a suitable means of attachment 30.

Abstract: In a machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products, for example creams, sauces and ice creams, there is a container for the product and means for heating it, the heating means comprising an electromagnetic circuit, for example of the ohmic type, whose resistive component is the product itself.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.

Abstract: A combi-container formed of containers which are combined in such a manner that smaller-sized containers are embraced inside larger-sized containers. Tracks are provided on an upper surface of a bottom plate of each container except for innermost container, and a wheel mechanism is provided at the bottom of each container except for outmost container. Each wheel mechanism has a wheel capable of rolling on the tracks. Each container of the combi-container can be used individually or can it be used by being embraced into other larger-sized containers. The combi-containers can also be assembled so that two combi-containers form an assembled container with dimension being in accordance with the ISO668 standard.

Abstract: A generally circular container is disclosed. The container comprises a continuous body portion. The container further comprises a rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion. The container further comprises a first feature projecting generally upwardly from the rim. The container further comprises a corresponding second feature positioned on the rim. The container further comprises a stacking feature formed on the body portion opposite the rim. The stacking feature extends substantially along the circumference of the container. The container is adapted to be stacked with a second container, the second container being inverted relative to the first container, by engaging the stacking feature of the container with a second stacking feature of the second container to prevent or inhibit lateral movement of the container relative to the second container.

Abstract: A show case for food is provided. The show case includes a case having an opening part provided at one side; a door hinge-coupled to the opening part of the case; a carriage installed at an inner bottom of the case; and a carriage unit installed between the case and the carriage such that the carriage opens and closes the door while being slidingly carried inside and outside of the case.

Abstract: A construction for a multi-layered vacuum super insulated cryogenic tank and a method for making the same is disclosed. The cryogenic tank uses an inner tank that is wrapped with multiple layers of radiation shielding and is suspended within a frame by one or more suspension members. The frame is enclosed within a fluid tight outer tank that fits snuggly against the frame. An ultra-high vacuum is created between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A container for use as a storage device for a substance for operating a drive assembly of a motor vehicle is provided, in particular for a cryotank for condensed gases. At least one inner container receives the substance for operation. The inner container is held in at least one outer container, where at least parts of the inner container and/or the outer container are made of plastic, and these container parts have at least in part a coating or a metal inlay. The container is characterized by the fact that the outer side of the inner container has a full-surface metal or ceramic coating.

Abstract: A food support device that serves to prevent melting frozen food from running onto the hands (and shirts, pants, shoes, etc.) of the consumer. The described apparatus can be adapted to receive and/or selectively engage various food items and capture any melted food and/or drippings from the food.

Abstract: A lid and container assembly includes a container having a rim portion that defines a container opening. The assembly further includes a lid having (i) a cover portion positioned over the container opening, and (ii) a skirt extending from the cover portion and positioned circumferentially around the rim portion of the container. The skirt defines an interior facing surface and an exterior facing surface. The skirt includes a sealing band extending from the interior facing surface of the skirt and positioned in contact with the rim portion of the container. The sealing band defines a vertex along the extent of the sealing band as the sealing band extends around at least a part of the rim portion of the container. The vertex possesses (i) a first height at a first circumferential position of the sealing band, and (ii) a second height at a second circumferential position of the sealing band. The second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: A system and method to dispense tables, confetti etc. entrapped in a complex film consisting of two layers with mechanical characteristics diversity, slidingly inserted in a container having at least: a cap or trap with door, a mechanism to tow the film in several steps, and a pass-no-pass device to force and break the trailed film to expel the confetti and recover the complex film more resistant layer.

Abstract: Spherical articles such as breath mints are released one at a time from a container by depressing a button, which simultaneously opens a first flow regulator and closes a second flow regulator in series with the first. When the button is released, the first flow regulator opens and the second flow regulator closes. The first flow regulator is preferably a pair of opposed weirs, and the second flow regulator is preferably a pair of parallel pillars.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing tablets. The dispenser generally includes a housing and a compartment. The compartment is pivotable with respect to the housing between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position. The dispenser may also include a biasing member to bias the compartment to the non-dispensing position and a rib to resist accidental pivoting of the compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material discharge apparatus (1), method and computer program for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper (2), the apparatus (1) including a hopper (2) having an inlet opening (4) at the top and a discharge outlet (5) at the base of the hopper (2), and a valve means (7) configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve means (7) having a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet (5) forming a gap between the hopper and the valve means for material to flow therethrough, the valve means and/or the hopper being adapted to move relative to the other, in use, for controlling the rate of discharge of material through the gap.

Abstract: A glue gun includes a shell, a burner, a mixture chamber, a barrel and a dispenser. The burner is disposed in the shell and formed with a combustion chamber and a thermal chamber. The mixture chamber is connected to the combustion chamber. The barrel is inserted through the thermal chamber. The dispenser is connected to the barrel. Gas is mixed with air in the mixture chamber. The mixture is sent into the combustion chamber from the mixture chamber. Heat is generated as the mixture is ignited and combusted in the combustion chamber. The thermal chamber transfers the heat to the barrel from the combustion chamber. The barrel heats and melts a glue stick inserted therein. The dispenser dispenses the molten glue from the barrel.

Abstract: An ergonomically-designed multi-chamber and multi-nozzle squeeze bottle comprising a plurality of separable and cooperatively-engageable chambers, wherein each chamber comprises a main reservoir portion in fluid communication with a tapered and elongated spout portion or feed neck that extends angularly and downwardly therefrom. The terminal end of each feed neck comprises a dedicated nozzle or lid associated therewith, whereupon cooperative-engagement of each chamber portion provides the multi-chamber and multi-nozzle squeeze bottle of the present invention. The present bottle is structurally configured to displace the weight of the sauce/condiment-filled bottle over the user's hand so as to alleviate hand strain and fatigue during use, and to enable equal distribution of hand and finger pressure over the bottle, such that all separate chambers thereof equally receive the requisite compressive force for delivery of smooth, even and controlled lines of dispensed sauces, condiments, liquids, and/or the like.

Abstract: A beverage dispense system comprising a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid, a control unit for measuring and mixing the first and second fluids in a pre-determined ratio to produce a beverage for dispense, the control unit including measuring means for delivering the first and second fluids to blending means for mixing the first and second fluids in the pre-determined ratio, and supply means for supplying the beverage to dispense means for dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and beverages. A beverage tower may be provided that has a small footprint and that is capable of dispensing a wide variety of flavor doses and blended beverages. The beverage tower may include a flow control module that controls the flow rate of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower and a switch module that includes a plurality of switches that may be selectively opened and closed to control the flow of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower to a point of dispense. A flavor dose or blended beverage may be dispensed by the beverage tower in accordance with user input that is provided to the beverage tower via a control panel. The user input may specify a desired beverage additive, a desired cup size, and an indication of whether a flavor shot or a blended beverage is desired.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus for mixing and dispensing liquid fuel with another fluid, including a container having a base, a plurality of side walls, a cover portion, and an opening formed in the cover portion for receiving and dispensing liquids. At least one of the sidewalls has a translucency allowing a liquid level to be determined. First and second handles aid in the control of dispensing of liquids from the container. A plurality of fill lines are formed at predetermined locations on or near the sidewall(s) having a translucency to compare the liquid level to the fill lines. The fill lines are incrementally spaced such that the volume associated with the lowermost fill line is substantially equal to the volume associated with to any of the other fill lines spaced above the lowermost fill line minus the volume associated fill lines positioned therebelow.

Abstract: A disposable inverted dispensing system for distributing a fluid for use in a shower is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a removable hooking device that is attachable to a surface which is exposable to moist conditions. A hook integral to the removable hooking device extends from the hooking device on a side opposite the surface when the hooking device is attached to the surface. A deformable container for containing the fluid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines a through-hole through the container, and the lower portion forms a container mouth through which the fluid is flowable. A dispensing valve and/or a cap is disposed over the mouth of the container for controlling the flow of the fluid. The container is positionable on the hooking device with the hook extending through the through-hole formed by the upper portion of the container so that the container hangs down from the hooking device.

Abstract: A bellows-type pump includes a body portion with an inlet and an outlet. A bellows member is secured to the body portion and provides a dosage volume that communicates with both the inlet and outlet. Compressing the bellows member causes a sealing web thereof to contact the inlet and seal the same against the flow of product from within the dosage volume. The sealing web does not cover the outlet upon compression of the bellows member and, thus, product is dispensed through the outlet upon such compression. Expansion of the bellows member draws product in through the inlet.

Abstract: A caulking gun barrel system fits into caulking guns designed for pre-filled cartridges. The caddy system utilizes soft-sided recharge packs of fill material ordinarily designed for more expensive caulking machines with built-in barrels. The caddy system includes at least one tubular barrel having a removable cap for providing access to the barrel interior for insertion of a recharge pack. A shuttle disposed within the tube articulates between ends of the tube and interfaces between the soft-sided refill pack and the caulking gun piston. Built into the removable cap is an elongate, coaxial nozzle for distributing the fill material. In a preferred embodiment, two such barrels are coupled together by a spine adapted to hold them in linear alignment. After inserting into each barrel a recharge pack opened at one end, a user inserts one of the barrels into a caulking gun and employs its plunger and piston to force fill material out the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for dispensing a fluid, in particular a carbonated beverage, from a storage chamber of a container towards the outside via at least one closeable discharge port, comprising a pressure reservoir which is separated from the storage chamber and in which a pressurized propellant is accommodated, and which can be connected to the storage chamber via a pressure regulation mechanism. The pressure regulation mechanism includes an axially moveable regulating element that is impinged upon by means of a spring in the direction of an open position in which propellant is discharged from the pressure reservoir into the storage chamber. The ambient pressure to which the container is exposed acts upon the regulating element in the direction of the open position, and the internal pressure inside the storage chamber of the container acts upon the regulating element in the direction of the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is a molded container head with an orifice valve contiguously molded from a single piece of material. The instant container head assembly is an improvement over existing orifice valves as it can be formed during the molding of the container or container cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispenser cap that can be placed on a variety of containers holding either dry or liquid products with the capability of either screening the products through a perforated disk or filtering the products through a variety of paper or fabric materials. The filtering materials may be impregnated with substances to enhance liquids when dispensed through the cap. When the dispenser cap is in the vertical position, a central plug seals the container and when the container is tilted or inverted, the product will flow freely.

Abstract: A holder for fixing at least one vision device, in particular a night vision device (2) on a head covering, such as a helmet (5), of a user (1), comprises a support element (7) which can be fixed indirectly or directly to the helmet (5), an arm (8) coordinated with the support element (7), a receptacle (9) for the vision device being arranged so as to be pivotable about the arm (8), with the result that a pivot movement of the vision device between an operating position and a rest position is permitted. A rotating element non-rotatably connected to the receptacle (9) is coordinated with the arm (8), a spring being arranged on the rotating element in a manner such that the receptacle (9) is under spring force both in the operating position and in the rest position. Furthermore, a stop element (13) is provided, by means of which the position of the vision device in the operating position can be set and fixed in a defined manner.

Abstract: A covering member filled in a spare bay of a server having a first latch portion is proposed. The covering member includes a hollow body capable of being inserted in the spare bay, an opening formed on a side surface of the hollow body, a spring unit formed on a surface of the hollow body, and a functional unit extended from the side surface of the hollow body. The functional unit includes a second latch portion disposed corresponding to the first latch portion, a spring arm for providing resilience for the second latch portion, and an operating portion extended from the hollow body. Thus, by the present invention, a user may readily actuate the operating portion through the opening. Moreover, by the extended design of the functional unit, the number of the jointing points can be significantly reduced, thereby decreasing the fabrication cost.

Abstract: A carrying strap device includes a strap member for attaching onto a user and having two end portions for coupling to an object, and a protective device having a band member coupled to the intermediate segment of the strap member for allowing the band member and the intermediate segment of the strap member to form a relatively smaller loop and to stably retain the strap member on the user and for preventing the object from being swung or vibrated or disengaged from the user. The band member includes two band segments detachably lockable together with spring clip members. Two belt members may be attached to the object and each has a spring clip member for detachably coupling to the strap member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable belt system for carrying sporting equipment, such as skis, poles, a snowboard, and accessories. The adjustable belt system includes a first elongated strap, a second elongated strap, a first adjustable loop holding member attached to a first end of the first and second elongated straps, and a second adjustable loop holding member attached to a second end of the first and second elongated straps. The first and second elongated straps extend in parallel between the first and second holding members. A method of carrying sporting equipment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user.

Abstract: A cylinder caddy for safely carrying cylinders in the bed of a pick up truck. The cylinder caddy comprises two mount sleeves and at least one horizontal bar component. The two mounting sleeves are capable of attaching to the factory installed ladder rack holes in the bed of a pick up. The horizontal bar component is attached to the mounting sleeves and is adjustable. The horizontal bar component then has clamps attached to it using an adjustable set screw. The clamps are cylindrical with one side being metal and the other side being nylon. The metal side of the clamp contains a latch mechanism capable of receiving the nylon strap. When transporting a cylinder it is placed into the clamp and locked into place using the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A purse-like container includes a housing having a hollow interior, an accordion file in the container with labels to facilitate storing and retrieving shopping coupons. A top wall of the purse-like container covers the open top of the container and accordion file to stop the coupons from falling out. The top wall can be folded over toward the back of the container and fastened thereto and about the handle of a shopping cart to suspend the container in convenient position for easy access during shopping. A method of shopping includes suspending a purse-like container from the handle of a shopping cart, wherein the purse-like container has a number of coupons organized in a manner to facilitate coordinating access to the coupons with possible items for purchasing.

Abstract: A portable device for inserting fixing elements into predefined seats in a work piece, the portable device including a drive head; a drive rod extending downward from the drive head; a hollow nose piece slidably fit around a lower end of the drive rod, the nose piece being attached to the head and being movable vertically by a predetermined distance with respect to the head and the drive rod; a magazine mounted on the nose piece at a predetermined angle with respect to a lower face of the nose piece for feeding a first fixing element into a horizontal slot on the lower face the nose piece; and a drive mechanism providing a pulsating force produced by a pressurized fluid to an upper end of the drive rod when downward pressure is applied by a user on the drive head. The pulsating force on the drive rod drives the first fixing element into the predefined seat in the work piece.

Abstract: A spring powered return mechanism for linear movement is disclosed. The mechanism is characterized by a novel spring design that allows for high linear speed and energy efficiency. The design features few parts that are simple to manufacture and assemble. In addition, the design allows variable return forces along the movement axis by modifying the spring geometry.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a selectively bendable end effector is provided. A staple holding jaw of the end effector is coupled to another jaw for grasping tissue to be stapled. The stapler can adapted to drive staples into tissue having a pattern conforming with the selected shape of the end effector. In particular, the end effector can be adapted to drive staples in a linear pattern when the end effector orients staples in a substantially linear configuration. The end effector can also be adapted to drive staples in a non linear pattern when the end effector orients staples in a non linear configuration. Methods of stapling tissue with a stapler having a bendable end effector are also discussed.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.