Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing sanitary paper products. The device is configured and sized for installation in a standard toilet paper role holder. The device can be incorporated into a number of shapes and sizes to accommodate sanitary paper products including: paper towels, facial tissue, toilet tissue, sanitary wipes and baby wipes.

Abstract: A novelty candy dispenser assembly that includes a hollow housing member having a candy storing section and a candy dispensing section. A stack of candy tablets can be biased towards the dispensing section. An operator input lever can be activated to selectively release an uppermost candy tablet from the stack of candy tablets. The manually operated lever member also rotates a multi-faceted member above the dispensing section that can support an ornamental feature for display to the user. The ornamental feature is moved in coordination with a user activation of the operator input member. A shutter can initially close an opening in a cover member extending over the rotatable member so that the viewer does not see the rotation of the ornamentation.

Abstract: The present invention is a currency-operated liquid dispensing machine for liquid retained in a plurality of removable and replaceable containers such as carboys or bags. More specifically, it is for a vending machine for dispensing metered quantities of water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a pumping system that accurately dispenses fluid using a pump. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing the error in the amount of a fluid a pump dispenses by correcting for the compliance of a dispense system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining substantially a baseline pressure in a chamber of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may serve to control a motor to compensate or account for a pressure drift which may occur in a chamber of the pumping apparatus. More specifically, a dispense motor may be controlled to substantially maintain a baseline pressure in the dispense chamber before a dispense based on a pressure sensed in the dispense chamber. In one embodiment, before a dispense is initiated a control loop may be utilized such that it is repeatedly determined if the pressure in the dispense chamber is above a desired pressure and, if so, the movement of the pumping means regulated to maintain substantially the desired pressure in the dispense chamber until a dispense of fluid is initiated.

Abstract: A low voltage, portable, outdoor spray system for applying sunscreen to a user. The system is comprised of a booth having a floor and at least one wall defining an enclosure. At least one spray nozzle is positioned within the enclosure and is connected to a pump. The pump in turn is connected to a reservoir tank, which may hold a sunscreen lotion, a tanning lotion or a aloe vera lotion. The spray system also includes an automated payment system. Once payment has been verified, a microcontroller sends a signal to the pump to begin operation. The pump draws lotion from the reservoir tank and delivers the lotion to a check valve. Upon reaching a predetermined pressure, the check valve opens and releases the lotion through the spray nozzle and onto the user.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing a metered volume of a fluid product having a storage chamber for storing the fluid product in; a dispensing outlet through which the fluid product is dispensable from the dispenser; a metering chamber which is adapted to provide the metered volume of the fluid product for dispensing through the dispensing outlet by movement of the metering chamber between a contracted state and an expanded state, movement of the metering chamber from the contracted state to the expanded state placing the metering and storage chambers in fluid communication to enable the metering chamber to receive from the storage chamber an excess volume of the fluid product comprising the metered volume and a surplus volume; and a bleed arrangement adapted to bleed the surplus volume of the fluid product from the metering chamber is described.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing measured batches of liquid have hitherto employed metering pumps which can dispense accurately but are difficult to clean due to their complexity, or analogue meters which cannot dispense small quantities accurately due to their slow response. Apparatus which can dispense batches of any quantity with great precision and is easy to clean comprises a tank (30) containing liquid at a substantially constant pressure for supply to a batch dispensing on/off valve (44) by way of a digital mass flow meter (42), and a computer (48) for controlling the valve in accordance with a soft-ware programme and with information received from the meter. The tank is pressurised by the controlled supply or release of gas through a valve (36). The computer interacts with the valve (44) and the meter (42) by way of electro-pneumatic interfaces (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch roller valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured, the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch roller valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured, the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing.

Abstract: A beverage making device comprises a brewing chamber for enclosing one or more pads (4) containing a substance from which the beverage is to be brewed, means (15) for supplying water to said brewing chamber, and means (10) for conducting the brewed beverage from the brewing chamber. Furthermore, there are means for squeezing the pad (4) after the brewing process has been finished but before the brewing chamber is opened to remove the pad (4).

Abstract: A fragrance product is disclosed including a container containing liquid fragrance and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the liquid fragrance including a transport assembly and a tube connected to the transport assembly and extending into the liquid fragrance. The tube and the liquid fragrance each have a refractive index, and the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the liquid fragrance is not greater than about 0.04.

Abstract: A fragrance product is disclosed including a container containing liquid fragrance and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the liquid fragrance including a transport assembly and a tube connected to the transport assembly and extending into the liquid fragrance. The tube and the liquid fragrance each have a refractive index, and the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the liquid fragrance is not greater than about 0.04.

Abstract: A locking element for a dispenser for discharging a medium, with an insert body, which has an outlet channel and an exit opening for the medium to be discharged, and a piston element which has a piston head co-operating with a piston seat and at least one elastic telescopic leg, characterised in that a sealing element is arranged in the outlet channel, which forms the piston seat, and the piston element with the at least one telescopic leg is arranged in an enlarging channel portion of the outlet channel, wherein the piston head is pre-tensioned against the piston seat and is pushed out of the piston seat by the exiting medium.

Abstract: A dispenser to discharge a measured amount of liquid from a reservoir is provided. The liquids in the reservoir may be water, liquid medicine, and/or corrosive chemicals. The dispenser of the current application is comprised of a) a long cubic module for measuring liquid volume that has an open space of straight pipe which is developed vertically between the middle and the rear side thereof, b) a guiding case for the long cubic module that surrounds the module with five walls of two side walls, one rear wall, one upper wall, and a lower wall and has a screwed receptor for the liquid container and an air hole on the upper wall and has a square opening at the lower wall, c) a telescopic plastic case located horizontally on inside of the rear wall of the guiding case, and d) a spring placed inside of the telescopic plastic case. Two O-rings are engaged to two O-ring grooves that are developed at both ends of the open space of straight pipe.

Abstract: A device in an automatic machine feeds metered quantities of a paste substance to be introduced into containers by a filling nozzle. In the device, a central body has a bore defining a cylinder closed at top by a cap, and a parallel inlet channel leading to the bore through an inlet aperture. An inlet conduit block is fastened to the central body and connects the inlet channel with a hopper. An exhaust conduit is fastened to the central body and connects an outlet aperture, made in the cylinder, with a conveying device associated to a filling nozzle. A piston having a longitudinal groove is slidingly inserted in the cylinder. A power apparatus moves and rotates the piston along the cylinder, so as to bring the groove to face respectively the inlet opening, during a suction step with a downward motion of the piston, and the outlet aperture, during a delivery step with an upward movement of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pressure control system with a pressure control device (1) for maintaining a constant predetermined excess pressure arranged in a fluid dispensing container (50; 60). The pressure control device comprises a first cylinder (15), a piston (13) movable within said first cylinder filled with a gas exerting said predetermined excess pressure, a second chamber (7), a passageway from the second chamber (7) to the outside of the device leading to the container (50; 60), a valve (18, 23) for releasing and closing said passageway. The second chamber is substantially a second cylinder (2) with a closed end (34) and an open end provided with a rim part (4), on which a closure (5) is mounted to close the second chamber, such that the second chamber is encompassing the first chamber, wherein the first chamber is part of the closure.

Abstract: In order to enable removal of any quantity of product with a container (1) with a device (2) to discharge product, particularly trickling or free-flowing product, with a reservoir (3) to hold the product, a product discharge opening (4), and a connection (5) between the reservoir (3) and the device (2), it is suggested that the container (1) have a channel (6), made of flexible material, which is provided for routing the product from the reservoir (3) up to the product discharge opening (4), that the device (2) have a clamping element (7) for optional clamping and releasing of the channel (6), that the clamping element (7) be spring-loaded in the direction of the channel (6) using a spring (8), and that an actuator device (9) be connected to the clamping element (7) via actuation mechanics (10), to enable optional clamping of the channel (6) via manual actuation of the actuator device (9).

Abstract: A hanger is adapted for retaining and hanging objects. The hanger includes a hook having first and second ends, a bead being attached to the second end. The hook defines an upper portion of the hanger. A lower hanger portion includes a spiral-shaped body having first and second ends, the second end being free to accept objects for hanging on the lower hanger portion. The first end of the lower hanger portion is coiled around the second end of the hook upper portion of the hanger.

Abstract: A moor or anchor for pins, needles, or other sewing implements, comprising a moor having a first end and a second end, the first and the second end are connected by a central portion which may be curved, whereby the moor can be positioned on a surface and receive a pin, needle, or other sewing implement to anchor a piece of fabric to the surface. The surface may be fabric, cloth, vinyl, plastic, or any other flexible material. The moor may be configured in various shapes and include curved portions and planar surfaces. A method for using the moor to secure and position pins and other sewing implements to surfaces such as fabric or other flexible material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An easy to use, low cost footwear removal device, walking cane and object retriever formed by attaching a footwear removal member between the first and second ends of an elongated member, a support member attached to the second end of the elongated member, and a handle attached to the first end of the elongated member. The footwear removal device can also be used as a reliable walking cane that provides the user with superior support and stability, or as an object retrieval tool.

Abstract: A universal carrying device (50) has a first substantially rectangular cover (54). A substantially rectangular carrier (56) has an opening (54). A hinge (52) attaches the first substantially rectangular cover to the first substantially rectangular carrier.

Abstract: A suitcase is adapted to its penal with a backpack for the backpack to protect the penal of suitcase from damaged by scratches and to increase storage space for the suitcase; and when detached from the suitcase, the backpack functions as a standalone carrier bag by hand or a shoulder bag in conjunction with a shoulder strap, or a sack in conjunction with an additional pocket and two should straps provided to the back of the backpack.

Abstract: THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR USE WITH RATCHET OR COG STRAP: Is used by pulling the strap through the locking mechanism until tight. To release the locked strap a key is required. The mechanism and strap can be made to required size. The mechanism and strap can be made from many different types of material, metal, PVC etc.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system having at least one single side releasable cross bar. The cross bar includes end support assemblies at opposite ends thereof. Each end support assembly includes a pivotally mounted locking member which can be locked and unlocked relative to an associated side rail. Both of the locking members can be locked and unlocked by a user manually engaging one of the locking members and pivotally moving it into an unlocked position. This causes simultaneous pivoting movement of the locking member at the opposite end of the cross bar so that both the locking members are simultaneously locked and unlocked from their respective side rails. When in the unlocked position, the cross bar can be lifted directly off of the side rails, thus eliminating the need for any disassembly of the side rails when the user desires to remove the cross bar entirely from the side rails.

Abstract: A holster for carrying a pair of skis (35), said skis being coupled together for example by means of a friction fit between the brake of one ski and the brake of the other, the holster comprising: a support plate (1), and a member extending, at least in use, from the plane of the plate to define a carrier limb (5; 33) with which a toe clip of one of said pair of skis (35) engages and on which top toe clip bears to spread the weight of the skis through the carrier limb to the support plate.

Abstract: A tool holder for removably holding a tool. The tool holder includes a receiving member and a coupling member. The receiving member includes a base, a pair of arms coupled to the base, a neck slot located between the pair of arms, and a head slot located between the base and the pair of arms. The coupling member includes: a head configured to slidably move within the head slot; a neck coupled to the head and configured to slidably move within the neck slot; and an attachment member coupled to the neck and configured to couple the coupling member to the tool. There is a latching member that is a protrusion configured to latch the coupling member to the receiving member. The attachment member is a loop that is a double-sided hook and loop ribbon.

Abstract: A method of accumulating a web includes pivoting subsets of rolls to a generally vertical alignment; moving one set of rolls past the other; passing the web between the sets of rolls; moving one set of rolls past the other to engage the web; pivoting the subsets to a generally horizontal alignment; moving the web alternatively between the subsets; and moving the sets apart to accumulate the web and together to discharge the web. A web accumulator includes at least two sets of rolls. Each set of rolls has subsets of rolls. The subsets have two consecutive staggered rolls. The accumulator has a web path defined by alternating between subsets of the first set and subsets of the second set.

Abstract: A structure of an arresting mechanism for a nail gun, wherein the nail gun is composed of a nailing device. The nail gun further comprises a trigger, which is fastened between two pin plates of the nailing device and can be cocked to shoot nails. The arresting mechanism contains a reciprocating cotter pierced through the two pin plates; at lease one retaining part disposed on the trigger; a swinging sensing component, which is fastened together with the magazine, with its first end in the location corresponding to the magazine and further extending into the magazine to reach the nail and the second end reaching the head of the cotter. Accordingly to foregoing structure, when there is no nail loaded in the magazine, the trigger cannot be cocked by the users; contrarily, when nails are loaded in the magazine, the trigger can be cocked.

Abstract: A firing mechanism of a nailing machine with a gun body and a nail cartridge having a telescopic safety member mounted on a front part of a gun barrel and coupled with a push bar within a fixing sleeve disposed at the bottom of a gas chamber whereby the displacement of the push bar permits a contact with a compression tongue of a trigger unit to proceed with a discharge process. An arched slot is correspondingly provided in a groove at both sides of the trigger unit. The compression tongue is pivotally connected to the trigger unit by a hidden displaceable pivot pin that is movable along the arched slot. The movement of the pivot pin along the arched slot of the trigger unit allows an adjustment of the contact area of the compression tongue to the push bar, thereby achieving a continuous discharge mode or a single discharge mode.

Abstract: A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a housing assembly having a nosepiece and a magazine assembly that is coupled to the housing assembly. The magazine assembly includes a canister, a door structure, a feed pawl and a follower structure. The canister is configured to hold a plurality of collated fasteners and has a first canister portion and a second canister portion that is movable relative to the first canister portion between a closed position and an open position. The fastening tool further includes a coil feeder assembly having an indexing pawl. The indexing pawl advances a fastener into operative engagement with the feed pawl upon movement of the second canister portion from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A stapler (1) for stapling together a workpiece (5), primarily a sheaf of papers, which stapler comprises a stapling unit (3) and a base part (2) which, by means of a connecting device (4), are connected in such manner that they can be moved toward and away from each other in a reciprocating stapling movement (P), wherein the stapling unit contains staples (8) and a driver (7) and the base part comprises a lower part (9) and an upper part (25) provided with a contact surface (26) provided with a staple opening (27) against which the workpiece to be stapled is placed during the stapling, wherein the upper part is connected to the lower part in such manner that it can be moved toward and away from the lower part during the stapling movement, wherein a latching arrangement (15, 28) is provided between the lower part and the upper part to prevent the upper part from being moved toward the lower part and wherein an anvil device (22) is arranged on the base part, wherein stapling is performed by moving the stapling

Abstract: A surgical instrument (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, staplers, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.) may benefit from having a plurality of hydraulically actuated subsystems (e.g., severing, stapling, articulation, locking/unlocking, lockout enabling/disabling, grasping, etc.) supplied with hydraulic power from a trigger actuated rotary pump (e.g., lobe pump, rotary gear pump, internal rotating gear pump, flexible vane rotor pump, rotary vane pump). Thereby, an available amount of mechanical advantage available at a firing trigger may be optimally distributed to various end effector components, perhaps sequenced by an electroactive polymer or piezoelectrically actuated function switch block.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple anvil and a staple cartridge having a working surface, one or more rows of individual staple slots formed in the working surface, a knife track formed along a length of the working surface, and a plurality of surgical staples individually disposed within the individual staple slots. The apparatus further includes an actuation sled having a knife and being configured and adapted to movably position the knife axially within the knife track. The apparatus also includes a wound closure material applicator assembly having a needle secured to the knife to dispense a quantity of wound closure material along a length of the knife track as the actuation sled and knife are moved therealong.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic horn for transporting ultrasonic energy to an operating location including a horn member, an energy transfer surface disposed on the horn member and an axle member joined to the horn member. The axle member can be provided by a first material. The ultrasonic horn can also include an isolation member integrally joined to the axle member adapted for mounting said ultrasonic horn at a work location, and a portion of said isolation member can be provided by a second material.

Abstract: A holding tool for fixing an electronic component (2) during a manufacturing process, said electronic component (2), comprising a winding assembly (20) and an electronic circuit (24), the holding tool (1) comprising a holding tool body (10), first an second jaws (12, 14) disposed at the holding tool body (10) relatively movable to each other in a first direction (A) and first and second wire guide means (3, 4) is characterized in that said first an second wire guide means (3, 4) are disposed at the holding tool body (10) remote from the jaws (12, 14).

Abstract: A capillary is provided for a wire bonding tool that comprises a holding portion for clamping the capillary, a conical portion at a tip of the capillary for performing bonding and a substantially frustoconical portion located between the holding portion and the conical portion. The sidewalls of the frustoconical portion form an interfacial angle that is smaller than an interfacial angle formed by the sidewalls of the conical portion so as to provide a gentle taper from the holding portion to the conical portion.

Abstract: A machining station and a method produce vehicle bodies of different types. A clamping station has interchangeable clamping frames, at least one clamping frame magazine, into which the interchangeable clamping frames are deposited when not in use and from which the interchangeable clamping frames are removed when in use, and at least one robot for transporting the interchangeable clamping frames. The interchangeable clamping frames, in particular the clamping frames for the vehicle body side parts, are divided into a plurality of separable segmental clamping frames, with, to convert to a different type of vehicle body, one segmental clamping frame in each case being transported by a robot from the clamping station to the clamping frame magazine, being deposited there, a segmental clamping frame of a different type being removed from the clamping frame magazine and this segmental clamping frame being transported to the clamping station.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having at least one conductive region covered in solder paste has preformed solder elements placed on the solder paste in the conductive region. A component package is placed onto the printed circuit board over the conductive region and the solder is reflowed, forming a wide solder interconnection between the component and the conductive region of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A substantially lead-free solder, comprising: from around 96.8% to around 99.3% tin; from around 0.2 % to around 3.0% copper; and from around 0.02% to around 0.12% silicon.

Abstract: A file portfolio includes a spine with attached front and back covers. A file pocket is provided for holding a plurality of documents. A hinge is attached to a bottom edge of the file pocket. The hinge flexibly joins the file pocket to the spine of the file portfolio.

Abstract: An integrated, hand-held device combining optical bar-code reading means with RFID-transponder commissioning means includes an on-board processing means, such as a portable-data-terminal that releasably couples to the device and wireless communicates with a host or network computer and seamlessly integrates data communication to and from the optical reader means and the commissioning means. A rechargeable battery pack provides power to each component and a single trigger mechanism enables multi-modal operation based on sensed conditions. Blank or pre-encoded RFID-transponders are supplied by a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: Provided are a method for processing reception calls during mobile RFID service processing, and a wireless terminal employing the method. The terminal provides mobile RFID service by receiving tag information from the RFID reader, requesting the object directory server for CS position information based on the tag information, requesting service contents based on the tag information and CS position information. The present invention prevents collision between reception call processing and mobile RFID service processing in the wireless terminal by processing reception call appropriately to each duration of mobile RFID service processing. For example, when a call is received before read command is transmitted to the RFID reader, the RFID reader is turned off and the reception call is processed. When a call is received before CS position information is requested, the CS position information is requested after the reception call is processed.

Abstract: A system (and a method) for electronic financial transactions includes at least of each of a sender having an electronic wallet, a recipient having an electronic wallet, a sending bank having a host application system and an authentication server, a receiving bank having a host application system and an authentication server, and a wallet management center with a host application system and an authentication server. The sender uses its electronic wallet to send an encrypted payment instruction directly to the electronic wallet of the recipient. The recipient can accept the payment by performing a second level encryption of the payment instruction for submission to the wallet management center for authentication. Once authenticated, the wallet management center immediately notifies the recipient and submits payment instructions for clearing by the corresponding sending and receiving banks. Payment authorization is authenticated directly by the sending bank without involvement of the wallet management center.

Abstract: A system and method for creating digital currency has a first automated teller machine operably connected to a central computer. A program initiated on the first automated teller machine with an initiation button functions to enable the first automated teller machine to receive physical currency with a currency scanner, to determine a sum of currency. The program then signals the central computer to create an account in a database, and to create a unique alphanumeric code associated with the account. The account includes the sum of currency. The unique alphanumeric code includes a first portion that includes the sum of currency in digital form, and a second portion that is random or user determined.

Abstract: A system (and a method) for electronic financial transactions includes a sender and a recipient each having an electronic wallet, a sending bank and a receiving bank each having a host application system and an authentication server, and a wallet management center with a host application system and an authentication server. The sender uses its electronic wallet to send an encrypted payment instruction directly to the electronic wallet of the recipient. The recipient can perform a second level encryption of the instruction for submission to the wallet management center for authentication. Once authenticated, the wallet management center notifies the recipient and submits payment instructions for clearing by the corresponding sending and receiving banks. Payment authorization is authenticated directly by the sending bank without involvement of the wallet management center. For enhanced usability, payment details may be originated from the recipient to the sender using proximity or online messaging.

Abstract: A free-standing bulk depositor includes wheels or other mechanical contrivances that enable the unit to be moved from place to place, for example to different tables on the floor of a casino, and includes various currency and/or document processing devices, including a transport mechanism that feeds a stack of documents past at least one sensing/imaging device, a logic unit that sends the documents to appropriate cassettes or drop boxes depending on the type of document and whether the document can be authenticated, and an escrow spool that holds suspect documents while images of the suspect documents are being reviewed in case the logic unit cannot determine whether a document is authentic. The documents may be banknotes, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or other documents having an identifiable value.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes providing tender at a point of service terminal operated by a load agent, the point of service terminal being in operative communication with a payment processing network. The point of service terminal thereafter sends a transaction authorization request to an issuer of a portable consumer device to be used by a user. The issuer then authorizes or does not authorize the transaction authorization request. If the transaction authorization request is approved, the portable consumer device is either initially loaded or reloaded with an amount associated with the tender provided at the point of service terminal.