Abstract: Beverage container having a hollow body with an open end and a cap closing the open end. The cap includes a panel member fixed to the body member at the open end. The panel member has a main portion and a partially or fully severable portion arranged for a user of the container to severe the portion for opening a dispensing aperture. The cap also has a closure member arranged within the container and the closure member is movable relative to the panel member between a closed position and an open position. A handle is arranged on the closure member and is normally positioned out of the way of the severable portion. The closure member has an engagement projection configured to engage the portion following severing same and further folding of the severed portion causes the closure member to turn to position the handle to extending through the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: The gasket is interposed between the seal face and the seal retaining portion of the fuel cap. The gasket has a first lip for pressing against the seal face, a second lip for pressing against the seal retaining portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first lip with the second lip; and is formed with a C-shaped cross section. An assist rib projects from the inside face of the second lip. The assist rib is formed so as to press the distal edge of the first lip towards the seal face.

Abstract: An automatic countertop trash access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may be shredded, compacted and/or ground via a disposal mechanism. A locking mechanism to retain the cover open or closed may also be provided.

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid. An inner contour of a groove of the lid and an outer contour of the cup body rim are selected to provide a slight snap fit of the lid onto the cup body, to provide a secure seal.

Abstract: A liquid storage container capable of ensuring a sufficient ink storage space and preventing liquid leakage without large variations in liquid pressure even when the container is deformed by an external force during shipping or in operating time. The container includes a protection member positioned outside of a flexible member, and an opening is defined on a plane member arranged in contact with the flexible member so as to face the protection member.

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid. An inner contour of a groove of the lid and an outer contour of the cup body rim are selected to provide a slight snap fit of the lid onto the cup body, to provide a secure seal.

Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie with added convenience, including a countertop resting box-like enclosure housing a safety rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The gear driven spit assembly may be easily inserted and removed straight into and out of the enclosure without need for angling or coupling the assembly to a power drive socket. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes. The embodiment's design makes efficient use of valuable counter space by recessing back and raising off the countertop its controls.

Abstract: An apparatus that dispenses a sheet of absorbent material from a roll of absorbent material includes a housing and a drum in the housing. A cutting device is incorporated in the drum. A one-way bearing on a shaft of the drum enables the drum to rotate only in one direction upon activation of the drum. A tensioning device provides tension to a strip of paper material passing between the tensioning device and the drum. The apparatus also includes a supply roll surface drive that controls rotation of the roll of absorbent material. The supply roll surface drive includes two independently rotatable pulleys and a belt wrapped around the pulleys. The belt contacts the roll of paper towels along a plurality of contact points to control rotation of the roll of absorbent material.

Abstract: A disposable bag dispenser attachment for a powered yard vacuum having a main body with one end designed to attach to various yard vacuums. A canister attached to the main body is loaded with a pre-packaged, undetermined length and width of plastic bag tube. The tube bag is fed through an opening on the canister top and through the attached tube bag stop when in the open position. The tube bag is pulled from the canister and then the bag stop is closed. Next, the loose end of the bag is tied in a knot and the vacuum is operated. When the bag is full, the opposite end is torn off and tied in a knot and the bag is discarded. In order to fill another bag, the bag stop is loosened and another length of bag tube is fed from the canister.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relating to a secure bag assembly to secure cash in transit (“CIT”). In some implementations, the secure bag assembly is installed in a lockable, removable cassette that is fitted to a bill validator. The cassette and bill validator can be installed in an enclosure like those found in retail kiosks, self-checkout terminals, retail safes or gaming machines. In such an implementation, bank notes are deposited in the bill validator and once identified and validated, are securely stacked in the bag assembly within the cassette. The bag assembly can be used for capacities of one banknote up to the maximum capacity allowed by the cassette. The bag assembly is secured in place when installed and is sealed automatically upon removal from the cassette.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser (1) for dispensing a multiplicity of unit products (3) comprises a container (100) for containing the unit products which has an access opening (107) through which the unit products are able to be removed from the container and a dispensing module (300) which is adapted to be connected to the container in an operational position in which the dispensing module covers the access opening. The dispensing module has an internal volume (307), into which the unit products are transferable from the container through the access opening when the dispensing module is in the operational position, an outlet opening (311) which communicates with the internal volume, and a dispensing mechanism (350) which operates to dispense a predetermined number of unit products from the outlet opening on actuation thereof.

Abstract: A cassette for dispensing pills whereby the cassette is coupled to a drive motor that operates in continuous revolution and the internal gears of the cassette translate the continuous motion into a stepping motion, whereby at each step, a system of turning members permit one pill to drop from the cassette into a target container.

Abstract: A viscous fluid dispensing system and method of dispensing which includes a container mounted on a vibrating support. The container is normally the container from a blender in which a smoothie has been prepared. A motor drives an unbalanced weight which vibrates the container support. This fluidizes the viscous fluid in the container. The container, and the container support are pivoted. The vibration generating means continues to operate while the container is pivoted in order to provide for the uniform dispensing of the viscous fluid from the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A simulated smoke generator method and apparatus is provided for generating a consistent smoke plume. By using a closed loop controller to maintain at least one property, affecting one or more characteristics of the oil, at a desired level, a consistent type of simulated smoke is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser installed on a door of a refrigerator to dispense a liquid or an ice. The dispenser for the refrigerator supplies a fluid to a fluid container or an ice maker from a fluid supply member W through an operation process of a plurality of supply lines and regulation valves. An outlet line of the fluid container is divided into a main outlet line and an auxiliary outlet line, in which the main outlet line and the auxiliary outlet line are equipped with a main switching button and the auxiliary switching button, respectively, which are operated in response to an output signal of a flow rate measuring device. The discharge amount of the fluid can be constantly maintained by selecting either of the main outlet line and the auxiliary outline provided in the fluid container of the refrigerator, irrespective of the pressure in the fluid supply system, thereby improving its use convenience and solving the inconvenience of overflowing and delay.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a bag containing fluid, a container that provides support for the bag, a spike comprising a hollow stem through which fluid can flow, the spike being connected to the bag at a joint created upon the puncturing of the bag by the spike, and a dispensing mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid from the bag, which dispensing mechanism is connected to the hollow stem, and wherein the dispensing mechanism is operated to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body.

Abstract: The tube exhibits a lower part (1a), which is open for introduction of a product and closable after the introduction, and an upper part (1b) which exhibits a passage-hole (2) for exit of the product from the tube. The upper part (1b) comprises an opening (3), which is larger than the passage-hole (2) and arranged in a zone of the upper part (1b) in which the passage-hole (2) is to be made. A reducer element (4) sealingly fits in the opening (3) and exhibits the passage-hole (2).

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is characterized by a beverage dispensing station having a valve for dispensing a beverage while a flow of air is contacted with the beverage being dispensed to entrain in the air an aroma of the beverage for dissemination of the aroma to a customer or another selected area. The airflow can be generated by a fan contained within a housing of the beverage dispensing station.

Abstract: The machine tool lubrication device comprises connection means grippable automatically by a manipulator of the machine tool, lubricant dispensing means, and dispensing control means operable by the machine tool.

Abstract: A liquid storage container (eyedrops container) A comprises a container body 10 having a liquid storage portion 12 for containing medical liquid therein, and an instilling portion 61a for allowing the medical liquid to flow out in an opened state. An aerating device 100 having a filter element 101 and a check valve 103 for allowing ambient air to flow in from outside and preventing the liquid from flowing out to the outside is installed at the bottom of the container body 10. Further, a cap B having an opening member 9 and a valve member 11 is mountable on the container body 10.

Abstract: A metered dispenser includes a housing including a reciprocable piston drive stem including an inlet opening at a first end thereof, a floating piston at a second end, and a passage between the first and second ends. An inlet valve is provided adjacent the first end for permitting entry of liquid product into the passage. A biased cocking mechanism is reciprocally disposed substantially within the housing. A biased loading mechanism is movable in a second generally opposite direction by the cocking mechanism, and is engageable with the piston drive stem to move the drive stem in the second direction. When the cocking mechanism is moved from an initial rest position toward the second direction, a series of operations allow the loading mechanism to project the drive stem in the first direction to dispense a metered dose of liquid product through a discharge orifice provided adjacent the second end.

Abstract: A pre-compression pump (10) dispenses microdoses of fluid (F). The pump minimizes pulsing due to pressure fluctuations. The pump is provided with the following to limit pulsing: a low force slow return velocity return spring (46); enlarged fluid passage (58); elastic bumper (74); and, a rachet tooth (76) bearing against the stem (44). Further, a deflectable diaphragm (90), a splined (70) stem (44), no dip tube, and an off-center, gravitational low-point pump inlet (62) assist in printing the pump. The pump includes a stem (44) with deflectable fingers (92) to ensure sufficient momentum in pump operation. Detents (118) and grooves (120) selectively lock a nozzle cap (14) in an inoperative position. To ensure cleanliness, nozzle (60) cleaning is provided, wiping of the nozzle to remove meniscus (M) therefrom, cuts (104) formed in a shroud (98) assist in drawing excess fluid from the nozzle, and an empty volume (108) for collecting fluid run-off from the nozzle.

Abstract: A barrier package for an aerosol container may have a body with a pleated plastic side wall which is strengthened as a result of formation of the side wall by re-heating, stretching and blow molding a pre-form. In fabricating a barrier package into an aerosol container, the package with attached valve cup may be positioned in the mouth of a canister so as to leave the mouth open and propellant injected into the mouth. An aerosol container may have a barrier package with a self-supporting pleated plastic body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing head including a housing that includes a seating into which emerges at least one product inlet orifice. The dispensing head also includes a dispensing element that is configured to rotate substantially about a lengthwise axis of the seating, that is disposed at least partially in the seating, includes an admission orifice communicating with a dispensing orifice via a delivery channel, and is configured to assume a first position and a second position. The at least one product inlet orifice is surrounded by a sealing relief projecting into the seating. Additionally, the admission orifice communicates with the inlet orifice when the dispensing element is in the first position, and the admission orifice is isolated from the inlet orifice when the dispensing element is in the second position.

Abstract: A metering valve for dispensing fluid, the metering valve comprising a valve body (10), a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) that is slidable in said valve body (10) so as to dispense the fluid contained in the metering chamber (20.), the wall (27) of said metering chamber (20) being curved, at least in part, in axial section.

Abstract: A closure for a container is disclosed having a body, a top portion, and a transition region. The body has a cylindrical skirt and an end wall. The cylindrical skirt has a first end coupled to the end wall and a second open end configured to receive a receptacle. The top portion is coupled to the end wall of the body portion and has a flap movable from a closed position where the opening is covered to an open position where the opening is at least partially uncovered. The transition region has an exposed surface and is located at a juncture between the end wall and the side wall. The exposed surface extends from a first point on the end wall radially inward from the skirt to a second point on the skirt below the end wall and below the first point.

Abstract: A bottle adapter is disclosed for accurate squirt dispensing of a drink. The bottle adapter comprises a coupler for removable attachment to a squeezable bottle. The coupler has a valve that is configured to remain closed until a predefined pressure difference is present across the valve, so that when the valve is opened, the liquid inside the container emerges in a stream and maintains a substantially straight trajectory for at least a predefined distance. A targeting orifice is positioned at the predefined distance from the valve so that the stream trajectory extends through the targeting orifice.

Abstract: A top sizer clip for use with a garment hanger includes a body having a pair of side walls and end walls joined to and extending between the side walls. An outer surface of each of the side walls has a concave shape and the body includes a top wall that is joined to upper edges of the side walls and end walls, with the top wall partially enclosing the body so as to create a hollow structure that includes an interior compartment defined by the end walls, side walls, and top wall. The top wall has an opening formed therein to provide an entrance into the interior compartment and is constructed for receiving a hook member of the hanger.

Abstract: A hanger is injection-molded in one piece from a suitable polymer. At each of a plurality of gripping locations, a stationary gripping member and a mobile gripping member are provided, each of which preferably terminate in inwardly directed article supporting fingers. For each pair of gripping members, a fastening arm is provided on one of the members while a channel is provided in the other of the gripping members. A pawl engages with an array of teeth to fasten the gripping members together and to secure e.g. a pair of vehicle floor mats therebetween.

Abstract: Self-help device for handling socks, support stockings and stockings in general, especially designed for people with difficult or impaired mobility, which comprises two essentially tubular pieces, which have a longitudinal opening and which can be attached to one another by the introduction of one in the other, where in one of said pieces the upper part of the garment is fixed to be put on passing it through its interior and then disposing it in surrounding manner thereof, whilst the second piece is hingedly attached to pull-rods to simultaneously place both pieces progressively putting the garment on the user's foot, whose toes are from the beginning in contact with the toe of the garment as this is totally housed inside the tubular pieces previously attached to one another.

Abstract: A tether having an elastic member which provides an unstretched length having a first part and a second part with the first part of the unstretched length having less elastic resistance than a second part of the unstretched length to alter characteristics of stretch and recovery toward the unstretched length under load and unloaded conditions.

Abstract: A carrier having a foot member, a post and a top member. The foot member has a first end and a second connecting end adapted to be detachably connected to a hitch of a vehicle. A bottom end of the post is connected to the first end of the foot member and extends upwardly therefrom in an operational position. The top member is pivotally connected to a top end of the post and is displaceable between a deployed operative position where at least a carrying portion thereof extends away from the vehicle and a collapsed inoperative position where the carrying portion and a major part of the top member are located between a longitudinal axis the post and the vehicle. Retaining means selectively retain the top member at least in the deployed position.

Abstract: A backpack configured for carrying an elongated object such as a hunting blind, the backpack having a bucket portion that is adjustable vertically, this bucket portion receiving therein the lower end of the elongated object or hunting blind that is attached to the backpack'frame.

Abstract: A knapsack with padded back includes a knapsack main body defining at least one receiving space, at least one shoulder strap connected to a back of the knapsack main body, and a pad attached to at least an outer side of the back of the knapsack main body. The pad consists of an inner watertight layer in contact with the back of the main body, a middle air-permeable elastic layer, and an outer cover layer connected along an outer periphery to a boundary of the back of the main body. The middle air-permeable elastic layer is made of a thermoplastic elastic material and formed with a plurality of voids to provide the pad with good cushioning and air convection effects, making the knapsack with padded back more comfortable for carrying.

Abstract: A wearable holster for concealing a firearm on a user includes a panel having a forward face, a rear face and an upper edge. A support extends laterally from the forward face and defines a slot sized and shaped to receive a barrel of the firearm. The support does not cover a handle of the firearm. A retainer retains the firearm in the slot. A flap extends outward from the upper edge of the panel and removably covers the support and the handle of the firearm. A quick release fastener for releasably securing the flap in place over the support and the handle includes a first element mounted on the panel and a second element mounted on the flap. The fastener enables quick removal of the flap and access to the firearm.

Abstract: A backpack with a receptacle and a tether has been devised whereby the user has a convenient place for the storage and carriage of a weapon, such as an archery bow or a long gun firearm. The backpack has the advantage of allowing the removal of the weapon from the backpack without first removing the pack from the user's back. It is equipped with at least one shoulder strap. In an ideal embodiment, a waist belt is included to facilitate the stabilization of the backpack, as well as to contribute to the load bearing functions of the backpack.

Abstract: The invention provides a stapler that the irregular movement of a bound object may be deterred by holding steadily the bound object with the lower side of a staple storing frame and a paper placing stand, a staple pressure lowering plate may push staples out effectively to reach a dead point in the upper and lower stroke, and the right and left legs of the staple may be pushed out in a balanced manner from the staple storing frame. The stapler comprises the staple storing frame having a staple discharge port, a staple receiving board for receiving a discharged staple, and the paper placing stand for placing the bound object, wherein a protruded part is formed near the discharge port of the staple storing frame and a recessed part is formed in a position that is on the paper placing stand and corresponds to the protruded part.

Abstract: A hand-held staple gun comprises a housing, a driver, a spring means, a handle, and a safe actuation mechanism. The safe actuation mechanism includes a swing means, a link, and an actuation control rod. The swing means is pivotally secured to the housing and the link is pivotally connected with the swing means. When the staple gun is not in use, the link cannot engage the driver even if the handle is pressed down, and when the staple gun is in use, the actuation control rod is pressed upward into the housing, so that the actuation control rod pushes the swing means, making the link engage the driver and therefore possible to drive staples out of the staple gun when pressing down of the handle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to staple-gap adjustment members for use in surgical stapling apparatus and methods. A gap adjustment member includes one or more bearing portions sharing a common rotational axis and one or more cam surface portions having a periphery with at least two different points along the periphery, with each point along the periphery having a different radius from the rotational axis. The one or more cam surface portions can have a central axis parallel to and spaced a distance from the rotational axis of the one or more bearing portions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is an interconnect technique. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared. A CNT-solder composite paste is formed containing the CNTs and solder with a pre-defined volume fraction.

Abstract: A can for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery using the same, where guide slots are formed in a bottom wall and a sidewall of the can of the lithium secondary battery so that the can is symmetrically bent about a longitudinal axis thereof when the lithium secondary battery is compressed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, thus preventing a short circuit from occurring between electrode plates of the of the electrode assembly located within the can resulting in improved safety of the lithium secondary battery. Alternatively, embossing portions are formed in a bottom wall of the can for the lithium secondary battery while protruding toward an inner portion of the can, so that the bottom wall of the can is outwardly bent when the lithium secondary battery is subject to compression in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, resulting in improved safety of the lithium secondary battery.

Abstract: A particle identification detector of airborne particles of interest is contained in a battery operated 4?×4?×1.5? box. Air is drawn through an internal chamber for analysis by pinging a sampling pad along the chamber with scanning microsecond bursts varying from 2 to 4 gHz. Resultant emf rings received from the particles by the pad are amplified and their amplitudes measured and stored in tables vs frequency of the ping thus forming signature profiles for particles of interest. Correlations between unknown measured profiles and tables of known profiles are used for particle identification. The box may be opened permitting the chamber to be cleaned. When used with hazardous material, the box may be placed in a clean room with wireless communications to a service computer located outside the room.

Abstract: The present invention is configured such that, in a low AC loss oxide superconductor constituted by providing an oxide superconducting layer 6 on a substrate 1, said oxide superconducting layer 6 is separated into a plurality of filament conductors 2 in parallel to the lengthwise direction of said substrate 1 by dividing grooves 3 plurally formed in the widthwise direction of said substrate, and a high-resistance oxide 8 is formed in said dividing grooves 3. Because of the invention, it is possible to increase the insulation properties of individually divided mated filament conductors, and to obtain an oxide superconductor that has low AC loss.

Abstract: A method for mounting a chip component includes the steps of: flattening a solder deposit adhering onto a land terminal of a circuit board; forming grooves on the solder deposit simultaneously with or after flattening the solder deposit; coating the solder deposit with a flux; and placing a chip component on the solder deposit with the flux interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for mounting a semiconductor chip with bumps on one surface onto a substrate location of a substrate, whereby the bumps are brought into contact with corresponding pads on the substrate location. Reference marks are attached to the bondhead that enable measurement of the actual position of the semiconductor chip as well as measurement of the actual position of the substrate location in relation to a system of coordinates defined by the reference marks. Positional displacement of the individual components of the assembly machine caused by thermal influences can be compensated without perpetual calibration procedures having to be carried out.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus are disclosed for use in mounting particles on and de-mounting particles from a substrate having an array of tacky and non-tacky areas. The particles can be either electrically conducting or electrically non-conducting. Selection of electrically conducting particles is preferred. The substrate having an array of tacky and non-tacky areas can either be electrically nonconducting (e.g., a dielectric substrate) or electrically-conducting. The methods involve use of first and second electrode plates with the substrate therebetween, the plates having applied thereto a direct current potential, which potential in preferred embodiments is reversed in polarity for a number N of cycles. Methods and articles are disclosed using an electrically conductive surface adjacent the tacky and non-tacky areas to minimize static buildup on the particles and tacky and non-tacky areas.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a process, an apparatus, and a system are provided. In some embodiments, the process includes reflowing solder located in an opening formed through both a solder resist material disposed on a substrate and a mask material disposed on top of the solder resist material; and removing the mask material after reflowing of the solder.