Abstract: A disposable dispensing container comprises a body with a fillable cavity that is sealed at one end after filling with selected contents. The contents are contained with a frangible seal that is broken by the user to access the contents. A spill collar protects the contents from dripping out after rupturing the frangible seal and is contiguous with the frangible seal and may be shaped to provide further dispensing control of contents. A sanitary seal may cover the open end of the spill collar to keep any contaminants away from the interior prior to use. The cavity may be lined with a sterile layer to protect the contents. Contents may be powders or liquids and may include things like ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar or lubricating oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for simultaneously dispensing the content of at least two aerosol cans. The apparatus includes a support having at least two holders, a pressure mechanism, an actuator affixed to the support and operationally connected to the pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism is operable to vary the pressure exerted on the nozzles, thereby adjusting the intensity of the outflow from the cans. Thus, the actuator enables an operator to adjust the intensity of the flow of fluid and to spray simultaneously the content of at least two aerosol cans. The present apparatus is preferably mobile and may be used to dispense adhesive substances on a surface.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. For example, the mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has several novel aspects. Such novel aspects include an elevated blocking surface that directly faces the inlet of a pressurized diluent in order to create turbulence for the mixing, and novel constructions of a depressurizing section together with a funnel-shaped passageway that reduces splashing.

Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided_having a container for holding a liquid beverage, a spigot extending from the container for dispensing the liquid beverage therefrom, preferably, but optionally, a telescopically extendable boom attached to a side of the container, one or more solar cell or solar panel disposed on one or more side or top of the container or, preferably, adjustably attached to an end of the telescopically extendable boom so that the solar panel may be repositioned about the end of the telescopically extendable boom so as to point the solar panel in a direction toward a source of solar energy, and one or more active elements in thermal contact with the container and the liquid beverage therein and electrically connected to the solar panel. Thermoelectric elements powered by the solar panel may be used to cool or heat the liquid beverage within the container.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid form medicament formulation having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPa·s. is disclosed and comprises a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers so as to apply a force to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming part of the fluid discharge device. A pre-load means is used to prevent actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well developed efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.

Abstract: A vent for a liquid dispenser includes a vent flange comprising a flange body. The vent body includes a vent wall on which the membrane is applied. The vent wall extends parallel to the geometric axis of the device so as to have a sufficiently large area available for applying the transpiratory membrane and at the same time to limit the space occupied radially by the flange.

Abstract: A piston configured to be engaged inside a cylindrical container includes: a sliding member having an upper fluidtight portion and a lower fluidtight portion; and a support member connected to the sliding member and having concentric flexions for urging the sliding member against the inner wall of the cylindrical container. The upper and lower fluidtight portions are each constituted by at least one annular convex bump portion having a thickness which is the greatest at a point where the annular convex bump portion is in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally related to a dosing system, and a process for dosing a substance into animal feed.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for small doses of a substance, particularly for types of pharmaceutical substances, includes a shoulder and a nozzle for use as a dropper or sprayer on the shoulder. Two outer arms are connected to the shoulder and a container, preferably formed as a hollow cylinder, is located between the two outer arms. An inner arm is formed at an acute angle to each adjacent outer arm with the two outer arms being connected to one another by way of the two inner arms. Two U-shaped tension arches connect the two inner arms to one another, so that the container is centrally positioned between the two U-shaped tension arches, which the two outer arms being able to be pressed together gradually and repeatedly for providing dosing of the desired substance.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser valve comprising a valve body (10) and a valve member (20) that is slidable in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said valve member (20) including a dispenser orifice (25), said valve including an axial guide element (15) that co-operates with a guided portion (29) of the valve member (20), said guided portion (29) being remote from said dispenser orifice (25).

Abstract: A tea kettle with a spout and a handle extends from a body, wherein the handle and spout are offset from one another such that when the body is tilted during pouring of a hot liquid contained therein, hot vapor from the liquid substantially is diverted away from the handle.

Abstract: A divot and ball mark repair apparatus is disclosed that two hollow elongated member coaxially positioned. The space between the two members forms a volume that a repair/replacement mixture that may include sand; sand and seed; or a mixture of sand, seed, and fertilizer mixture is placed. The outer member includes first and second ends in which each end has a corresponding opening to allow the mixture to be placed into the volume and dispensed respectively. A chamber that has a movable bottom surface is located at the bottom of the first member and is activated by a spring biased mechanism disposed within the second member. The spring bias mechanism allows a user to displace the bottom of the chamber away from the other sides of the chamber and dispense the mixture therein into a divot hole or other bare spot.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids stored under pressure is disclosed. A resilient valve actuator is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger engaging a one-way check assembly that serves to open and close at least one valve port opening. The resilient valve actuator and one-way check assembly are configured to allow ease of dispensing while ensuring a leak-free state is maintained between dispensing operations.

Abstract: The lifting harness includes a base strap and a pair of shoulder straps releasably attached to a base strap. Each shoulder strap includes a shoulder engaging portion and a plurality of arm loops for receiving the arms of a user. The base strap is an oval, elliptical, or other elongated loop having a pair of buckles or the like for adjusting the circumference of the loop, and a pair of parallel cross straps extending across the loop and slidable along the loop to adjust the position of each cross strap, each cross strap having a buckle to adjust the length of the cross strap. In use, a heavy load is mounted on the base strap and each shoulder strap is placed around the neck and over the shoulders of the users, and a pair of arm loops receiving the forearms of the user. Further, each shoulder strap further terminates at either end in an adjustable releasable loop, allowing for one or more shoulder straps to be used as carrying harnesses without the need for a base strap.

Abstract: A device, including a neck strap suitable for transferring substantially all the weight of the device to the associated user's neck during a prolonged period of substantially uninterrupted use. The neck strap may be adjustable and include a pad to be placed on the user's neck. In another embodiment, a carriage adapted to securely receive a hand held device and a neck strap is taught. The carriage may be suitable for use with an unadapted device such as a video game remote controller, a hand held video game unit, or a communications device having an integrated keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soft, multifunctional carriers which transport equipment, such as hunting equipment, hunting bows, compound bows, hunting gear, camping gear, hiking gear and animal antlers for camping, fishing and/or hunting. The equipment can be placed on or hung from a tree or the like and act as a backrest or cushion and provide access to the equipment transported for hunting, camping or fishing purposes. The carrier can be utilized in conjunction with an elevated tree stand or as a storage area on or near ground level.

Abstract: A vehicle organization system comprising a housing sized for placement within a vehicle. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and first and second opposed sidewalls that define a cavity. A plurality of storage units are located within the cavity and are supported by at least one of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A device for supporting items on a wheelchair that has a chassis (1) and a seat (2) which is movable in relation to the chassis is provided. The device comprises a part (33) that carries the item that can be connected to the seat. In order to enable there to be full freedom of movement for the seat and to avoid further loads on this or on its driving devices, the device comprises a load-bearing link mechanism (32) that is attached to the chassis and supports the item supporting part in such a way that it can move, for transference of load from the item supporting part to the chassis. The invention also relates to a wheelchair with such a device.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source including a cylinder head and a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head, a valve sleeve and an upper surface of a reciprocating piston, the valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the cylinder head between a rest position and a pre-firing position. The valve sleeve has a range of positions between a first sealing position in which the combustion chamber is closed, and said pre-firing position in which the valve sleeve is prevented from further movement. A lockout device is associated with the power source and has an actuated position configured for preventing the reciprocation of the valve sleeve beyond the first sealed position to open the combustion chamber, but permitting movement of the valve sleeve from the first sealed position to the pre-firing position until the piston returns to a piston pre-firing position post combustion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for arranging for processing a semiconductor device having surface components on its surface. A device support comprising a set of protrusions for contacting a surface of the semiconductor device supports the semiconductor device on a plane. The protrusions are arranged and positioned such that they avoid contact with the surface components on the surface. In order to grip the semiconductor device supported on the plane, a clamping device having a first set of clamps is configured for gripping the semiconductor device along a first axis and a second set of clamps is configured for gripping the semiconductor device along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A method for the planar joining of components of semiconductor devices involves coating the components with diffusion materials on their upper sides and rear sides, respectively. Subsequently, the components to be joined one on the other are introduced into a reducing atmosphere. The components are aligned and a compressive pressure is exerted on the aligned components. While heating up the components to be joined in the reducing atmosphere to a diffusion joining temperature, isothermal solidification takes place, the diffusion joining temperature lying below the melting temperature of the forming diffusion joint of the joined material.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for friction welding, wherein one of the parts to be joined is oscillated by means of an electromagnetic oscillator. The oscillator is electrically braked after controlled stimulation of oscillations and a pre-determinable oscillation period.

Abstract: A method of detecting and calibrating dry fluxing metal surfaces of one or more components to be soldered by electron attachment using a gas mixture of reducing gas comprising hydrogen and deuterium, comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more components to be soldered which are connected to a first electrode as a target assembly; b) providing a second electrode adjacent the target assembly; c) providing a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas comprising hydrogen and deuterium between the first and second electrodes; d) providing a direct current (DC) voltage to the first and second electrodes to form an emission current between the electrodes and donating electrons to the reducing gas to form negatively charged ionic reducing gas and molecules of hydrogen bonded to deuterium; e) contacting the target assembly with the negatively charged ionic reducing gas and reducing oxides on the target assembly. Related apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solder is deposited on a heat sink. The solder is first reflowed at a first temperature that is below about 120° C. The solder is second heat aged at a temperature that causes the first reflowed solder to have an increased second reflow temperature. The heat aging process results in less compressive stress in a die that uses the solder as a thermal interface material. The solder can have a composition that reflows and adheres to the die and the heat sink without the use of organic fluxes.

Abstract: An end cap adapted to releasably secure to a tube having a first open end to form a shipping container. The end cap includes a base, a sidewall surrounding and extending from the base, at least one movable projection biased to extend beyond the outer side of the sidewall, and a deformable sealing element extending from a perimeter of the base and/or from the outer side of the sidewall. When the end cap is secured to the tube, an inner side of tube surrounds the outer side of the sidewall of the end cap, the movable projection extends into a mounting opening formed in the tube proximal to the first open end, and the sealing element is deformed against the inner side of the tube to form a circumferential seal between the end cap and the tube such that the end cap completely plugs a passageway through the tube.

Abstract: According to a method for packaging articles with a film of plastic material, a band of plastic film (6) is supplied to conveying means (5), while a strip of glue (18) is applied along a longitudinal edge of the band of plastic film (6) and zones of glue (19), regularly spaced apart, are applied crosswise to the band of plastic film (6). A series of articles (2) to be packaged are supplied to the conveying means (5), above the band of plastic film (6) in positions between the transversal zones of glue (19) and then the longitudinal edges of the band of plastic film (6) are folded to form a tube around the articles (2), so as to overlap the edges of the band of plastic film (6). The edges of the band of plastic film (6) are pressed to stabilize joining and the transversal zones of glue (19) are also pressed while cutting at the same time the band of plastic film (6) crosswise in portions located between the transversal zones of glue (19), in order to obtain single packages of articles (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying that a correct number of coins of a particular denomination are disposed in a paper, plastic, or other type of roll includes an inside line or other demarcation along an inner circumference of the roll that includes a thickness that is preferably greater than that of one coin. If, when filling, the line or demarcation is fully visible then too few coins are in the roll. If, when filling, none of the line or demarcation is visible, then too many coins are in the roll. If, when filling, only a desired portion of the line or demarcation is visible, then a correct number of the coins are in the roll. Various shapes and sizes for the inside line and demarcation are disclosed. An optional outer line is also disclosed that is concentric to the inside line.

Abstract: Food container for receiving food, in particular for catering purposes onboard aircraft, is combined with a flexible liner, in particular a tray liner, a placemat, a tablemat, or the like. The liner, in a wrapping position, is folded or rolled around the container and is attached or affixed in the wrapping position by detachable fixing element. There is likewise a method of using such a food container onboard aircraft for catering passengers.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: An octagonal bulk bin has sidewalls, end walls and diagonal corner panels interposed between adjacent sidewalls and end walls. Major bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the sidewalls, minor bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the end walls, and diagonal bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the diagonal corner panels. A cut separates each major bottom flap from an adjacent diagonal bottom flap, and a web panel connects adjacent side edges of the minor bottom flaps and diagonal bottom flaps. According to one aspect of the invention, each diagonal bottom flap, web panel, and portion of an adjacent major bottom flap are crushed. According to another aspect of the invention, differently shaped notches in a free edge of the minor flaps form locking tabs that are engaged in slots near a free edge of the major flaps.

Abstract: A secondary beverage carton which has two opposing non-rectangular, preferably triangular, side walls. The carton has at least one coincident acute angle. The side walls are connected by end walls. Preferably one end wall has a can access panel which is severable to provide an opening for the cans.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton includes a handle in the closed end of the carton having a handle opening for grasping and carrying the carton. At least one end flap of the at least two end flaps has a main panel for at least partially closing the closed end of the carton and a reinforcement panel foldably attached to the main panel.

Abstract: A combination shipping and dispensing carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The carton may have various dispensing features to allow articles to be dispensed from the carton.

Abstract: An unsupported lap-sealable liner for a composite container comprises a heat seal layer, a barrier web having a first surface attached to the heat seal layer and having an opposite second surface, and a sealable primer applied as an aqueous dispersion to the second surface of the barrier web and then dried. The sealable primer comprises a polymer having bonding affinity with wet adhesive used for bonding the liner to a paperboard surface of a composite container. The sealable primer furthermore is heat-sealable to the heat seal layer such that the liner is lap-sealable.

Abstract: A box blank that can be folded in order to be assembled into a complete box for the shipment of materials. The blank has indicia printed on opposite sides that identify the material to be contained within the completed, assembled box. Each indicia relates to a different material such that the box can be assembled in one orientation to have one set of indicia end up on the exterior surface or assembled in a different orientation to have the other set of indicia end up on the exterior surface. In this manner, the same box blank can be used for different materials to be shipped within the completed box. In the exemplary embodiment, the different materials relate to (1) diagnostic or clinical specimens and (2) exempt human or animal specimens.

Abstract: A carton includes a spout dispenser formed in a top panel of the carton. The spout dispenser is formed from a spout section of a side top flap adhered to an end top flap. Pivoting the spout section away from the top panel causes part of the end top flap to be pulled through an aperture through which product can be dispensed.

Abstract: An information tracking wearable article comprises a mount having associated information bearing elements. The wearable article may be configured as a bracelet where the information bearing elements are mounted to the mount. The information bearing elements are configured to display at least two elements of information. Preferably, the elements may be moved between first and second positions to selectively display the two elements of information. The wearable article may be utilized to track the completion of tasks, scores, dietary intake or other information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for gathering data with unmanned vehicles (UMVs) in a specific area, storing gathered data on one or more RFID devices or some other data storage devices, and releasing these devices holding stored data for subsequent detection and analysis of the stored data by another system. In one embodiment, an RFID-enabled UMV system of the present invention is configured to collect data using a plurality of RFID tags and to release the RFID tags with the stored data in selected locations. An RFID tag analysis system is configured to obtain and analyze the data stored in the released RFID devices. Analysis of the stored data can be performed in a variety of ways, including manual analysis, analysis by an RFID reader, computer processing of the data, or any other desired analysis of the data. Alternative data storage devices include non-volatile memory devices that can store data, be released by the UMV, and be later processed by other systems.

Abstract: A traveling data recorder for vehicle is provided. The vehicle traveling data recorder includes an information capturing apparatus having a plurality of data collection modules, a sensor, a display, a storage apparatus and a controller. The data collection modules are disposed on the outer side body of the vehicle for collecting the information of a space surrounding the vehicle. The sensor is adopted for detecting the on/off status of the vehicle's turn signals. The control unit is coupled to the sensor, and when a turn signal is turned on, the controller turns on at least one of the data collection modules corresponding to the turn signal to collect the information of a space surrounding the vehicle. The information is displayed on the display and stored in the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: The invention features a method for administering an ATM. One or more transactions are conducted at the ATM and the ATM generates one or more logs corresponding to the transactions. A communications link is established between the ATM and a computer. The logs are represented in an XML-based format and are transmitted over the communications link in that format. XML stands for extensible Markup Language.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving account data, where the account data includes an account number that is compared to a previously submitted account number where the previously submitted account number is associated with a successful payment. It is then determined if there is a likely match between the account number and the previously submitted account number by performing at least one of several fuzzy logic techniques. Upon determining that the likely match exists the parsed account number is automatically replaced with the previously submitted account number.

Abstract: A handheld unit which is capable of emulating a plurality smartcards or magnetic stripe cards. The unit has the capability of storing a plurality of data sets representing a plurality of accounts. The unit is equipped with a near field communications interface that can emulate a smartcard interface that is capable of communicating with smartcard readers at POS or ATM terminals, or anywhere else a smartcard may be utilized.

Abstract: In a system where a customer makes a purchase with a merchant using currency, methods are provided for enabling the customer to receive change electronically. The customer has a customer identification device that is associated with a change account stored at a change server. The merchant also has a change account associated with a change server. A change settlement occurs between the customer change account and the merchant change account to transfer some or all of the change to the customer change account.

Abstract: A method of managing a first stored value application having a first application balance and a second stored value application having a second application balance, can include the steps of facilitating conducting of a first transaction by the first stored value application, and synchronizing the second stored value application with the first stored value application. The synchronization can be substantially contemporaneous with the transaction. The applications can reside on the same portable payment device.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for dispensing doses of powdered products, particularly for the production of hot and cold beverages, from at least one carton containing said products and provided with motorized dosage and dispensing means secured to said carton, these cartons being disposed in a dispenser, characterized by the following series of steps: placing the carton in the dispenser with connection between the dosage and dispensing means and the dispenser, automatically recognizing the carton by the dispenser and hence the product contained in this carton, adjusting the number of doses necessary as a function of the powdered product contained in said thus-recognized carton, dispensing these doses. The invention also covers the device for practicing the process and the associated carton.