Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unique container and transport methodology for LTL trucking shipping operations. The shipping container includes a selectively repositionable, hinged access door and a series of selectively removable shock-reducing mechanisms that serve to lessen the negative effects of loading and unloading and cargo shifting that may occur during transport. Additionally, by providing additional security mechanisms for securing the cargo stored and shipped in the container, losses due to theft can be minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A secure latch having a lid that includes a panel and a plurality of walls extending from the edges of the panel forming a skirt, the skirt having a cut out portion. A latch handle is pivotably mounted to an underside of the lid proximate the cut out portion. The latch handle is partially shielded from accidental contact by the skirt.

Abstract: A drinking cup (10, 110) that teaches a child how to drink from a cup while minimizing spills includes an elongated, generally cylindrical housing (12, 112) for holding a liquid (14, 114), the housing (12, 112) has an inside surface (16, 116), an outside surface, and a bottom (20, 120); an elongated, generally cylindrical insert (22, 122) with an inner surface (24, 124) and an outer surface (26, 126) where the insert (22, 122) fits within the housing (12, 112); and a cap (30, 130). The cap (130) may be molded to the insert (122). An annular space (28, 128) is formed between the outer surface (26, 126) of the insert (22, 122) and the inside surface (16, 116) and the bottom (20, 120) of the housing (12, 112). The bottom (123) of the insert (122) may be open and spaced above the bottom (120) of the housing (112). The space (28, 128) receives liquid (14, 114) flowing between the inner surface (24, 124) and the outer surface (26, 126).

Abstract: A container for carrying and pouring flowable materials having a bucket portion with a side portion, a closed bottom portion and an upper rim area at least partially defining an open top; a handle attached near or on the upper rim area; at least three gripping surfaces located in the closed bottom portion of the bucket portion to permit multiple means of gripping the container. A method for dispensing flowable materials having the steps of gripping a handle rotatably affixed to a container having material therein with a first hand, wherein at least a portion of the handle is located above a discharge opening of the container; gripping a gripping surface located about the middle of the bottom of the container with a second hand; and tipping the container to discharge material from within the container using the first hand and the handle as a pivot point while lifting the bottom of the container with the second hand gripping the gripping surface.

Abstract: An improved safety collar (10) for a manway system (24) provides a tapered component for guiding the collar into an aperture of a manway lid (28), thus preventing the collar from snagging an edge of the aperture and holding the lid in an open position. The safety collar is defined by an annular wall with a smooth outer surface (12) and a threaded inner surface (14). A chamfered rim (16) of the collar presents an annular sloping surface (18) generally sloping inwardly and upwardly from the outer surface to the inner surface. When the collar is threaded onto a bolt (66) of the bolt assembly, the chamfered rim (16) of the collar guides the collar into an aperture (58) of the manway lid, such as when the lid is lowered into position against a base (26) of the manway system.

Abstract: In a counting machine, a feeding tray contains articles in bulk to supply the articles to a rotating disc-shaped support with a plurality of through holes. A check station has a transparent plate operating to keep the articles in the holes and cooperating with vision devices provided for checking integrity and presence of articles in the through holes A rejection station has plurality of wings to keep/release articles into/from respective through holes according to signals coming from the vision devices. Also a discharge station has a plurality of wings to release/keep articles from/into respective through holes, according to signals coming from the vision devices.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an allocation of inventory for a vending machine (e.g., a mix or set of types of products and respective quantities of products to be loaded into a snack or beverage vending machine) is determined.

Abstract: A spill proof, portable dispenser including a top attached to a bottom on a first side, a lid attached to the bottom on a second side, and wherein the top can only be opened after first opening the lid. Thus, when the dispenser is closed, the top is prevented from opening relative to the bottom unless the lid is first opened. The dispenser can be easily refilled by first opening the lid and then opening the top to access the dispenser's interior.

Abstract: A paper tissue dispenser is disclosed and which includes a container which encloses a plurality of paper tissues for individual dispensing, and wherein the container substantially prohibits the dispensing of more than one paper tissue at a time.

Abstract: A programmable dispensing system for a vending machine dispensing vending products. The system includes a vending machine having at least one helical coil for dispensing the vending product. The helical coil rotates in a first rotational direction 360 degrees plus an additional angular displacement by a motor when a vending product is selected from the vending machine. The helical coil dispenses a selected vending product when the helical coil is rotated. The helical coil is then rotated the additional angular displacement in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) has a source (2) of medicament with a transparent reservoir (3) of glass sheathed in a transparent plastics material shrink wrapping (4), which provides an enclosure against explosion of the glass in the event of accidental breakage of the glass. The reservoir contains not only a liquid medicament (5), but also a gaseous propellant liable to cause the glass to explode if broken. A valve (6) of the source is within a body (7) of the dispenser. The valve is attached to the reservoir by a crimped on aluminum sleeve (8). With the dispenser inverted the level (14) of the medicament (5) is within the tapered tip when the medicament is close to being used up. As use of the dispenser continues, the level falls progressively faster, giving the user an indication that a fresh dispenser will soon be required.

Abstract: A tamper-evident mechanism for use with an electronic appliance includes a first housing, a second housing, a fastening device and a shielding element. The first housing includes a perforation, which is surrounded by a ring-shape member. The second housing includes a groove corresponding to the perforation of the first housing, wherein the groove has an inner thread formed on a portion of inner wall thereof. The fastening device includes a head portion and a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion has an external thread engaged with the inner thread of the groove and the head portion is sustained against the ring-shape member, thereby coupling the first housing with the second housing. The shielding element is inserted into the perforation of the first housing for shielding the head portion of the fastening device.

Abstract: A machine for delivering liquid coating or sealant from a flexible walled package to an applicator, package fitment will accommodate sealing of compressed gas in canister and seal the product in pouch for dispensing, a light weight pressure rated canister for the package and compressed gas can be added external to the package and internal to the canister for application, a compressor for delivering compressed gas to the canister, a safety relief valve set below canister rated pressure, an adjustable pressure switch to control the on/off function of the compressor automatically, a dispensing tube that is flexible and sized to handle the required flow rate with minimal pressure drop and convenient in length for application, an adjustable valve with an operator button on applicator handle for optimized product flow during application, a back pack harness or side harness to hold the canister for mobility and hands free operation.

Abstract: A novel spray bottle system at least includes: a spray bottle container including at least one air portal adapted to equalize air pressure on the inside and outside walls of the spray bottle container; a refillable liquid content bladder adapted to be secured to the neck of the spray bottle container via a bladder seal, and adapted to be placed inside of the spray bottle container, the liquid content bladder further adapted to carry liquid content to be sprayed by the spray bottle system; a liquid suction tube adapted to transport liquid content from the content bladder, the suction tube at least including a plurality of tube holes along the length of the suction tube adapted to suction content liquid from the content bladder from different positions along the suction tube; and a spray head adapted to be coupled to the suction tube and engaged with the bladder seal, and adapted to pump and spray content liquid from the content bladder.

Abstract: A fluid (liquid) handling system for use in dispensing of liquids or blending solutions by transferal of one or more liquid(s) from original container(s), into volumetric measuring device(s), dispensing measured volume(s), and returning unused liquid(s) back into original container(s), using vacuum (reduced pressure) as means of operation.

Abstract: A locking aerosol dispenser with a dome, a top thermoplastic elastomeric button member molded over a dome opening, and a base lock member. The rotatable base lock rotates from locked to unlocked position with respect to the essentially non-rotatable dome. A product channel member in the dome is held by the elastomeric button, and not otherwise attached to the dome. The base lock has an upstanding bridge with unlocking slots within which extend fingers on the product channel member when the dispenser is unlocked and actuated. The base lock is not attached to the aerosol valve mounting cup. The dome is attached to the base lock member and the aerosol valve mounting cup, the dome capturing the base lock member between the dome and aerosol container.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing viscous materials wherein the dispenser is convertible to a form which dispenses viscous material packaged in either collapsible form, cartridge form, or bulk form, wherein the components necessary for the conversion of the device to dispense viscous material packaged in collapsible form, cartridge form, or bulk form are retained within the body of the dispensing device, and more preferably are retained on the piston rod, to prevent loss of the components necessary for conversion of the dispensing device to dispense viscous material packaged in either collapsible form, cartridge form, or bulk form.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a fluid outlet and an ambient inlet. The dispenser includes a container having a cavity, and a regulator device within the container cavity for regulating liquid flow out of the fluid outlet. The regulator device has a cavity in fluid communication with the ambient inlet, and an air transfer orifice for placing the device cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. The air transfer orifice is spaced apart from the ambient inlet. The regulator device also has a fluid inlet. Location of the air transfer orifice with respect to the fluid inlet is such that flow of liquid from the container cavity into the device cavity stops when the liquid in the device cavity reaches the air transfer orifice.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic container includes a body defining a longitudinal axis. The body includes an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The upper portion includes a spout defining an opening into the container. The sidewall portion may be integrally formed with and extend from the upper portion to the base portion. The base portion closes off an end of the container. The opening defines a first plurality of discontinuous radial pour surfaces.

Abstract: An object-holder includes a support (2), fixing element (4) enabling the support to be carried by a user, at least one arm (10) mounted on the support so as to be mobile from a storage position and towards the storage position and having a receiving element (13) for at least part of an object (22), and a mechanism for locking the arm (15) and/or the object (18) when the arm is in the storage position.

Abstract: A child carrier to be worn by a user for supporting and transporting a child including a child seating portion, a buttress support portion depending downwardly from the front end of the seating portion for abutting the body of the user supporting the child, and first and second sides downwardly depending from the seating portion to connect and brace the seating portion and the buttress support portion. The seating portion is configured for receiving a child in the user facing position, is laterally contoured generally convexly, and extends backwardly and upwardly in a generally concave manner from said buttress support portion. The carrier has slits appropriately positioned for attachment of adjustable shoulder and waist straps.

Abstract: A Kiddie Cover is fabricated from a material which provides resistance to rain and/or cold. It is in the form of a closed structure which conforms to the shape of a child positioned in a carrier. The Kiddie Cover is placed over the top of a child seated in a baby carrier. The cover has a hole in the bottom. There is an opening which allows exposure of the infant's face. Once the Kiddie Cover is placed over a baby in it's carrier, the straps from the carrier are pulled through the two openings located on the front of the Kiddie Cover below the opening for the infant's face.

Abstract: A scabbard for a police baton is provided. The scabbard includes a receiver for the police baton, said receiver having a tubular body that is substantially continuous in an annular and axial direction, a mounting flange disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body proximate a first end of the tubular body, said mounting flange defined by an unobstructed planar mounting surface substantially surrounding a center aperture, said planar mounting surface being substantially tangent to an outer surface of the tubular body and a closed-loop belt clip rotatably attached to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A storage unit for attachment to the rear support columns of the roof of a motorized golf cart is disclosed, comprising a generally rectangular construction, including a bottom shelf, side walls, one back wall, optionally one or more internal dividers, and a cover to enclose a storage space. The unit maybe insulated, and may additionally comprise a temperature adjustment means such as a heater or a refrigeration device. The unit is suitably dimensioned for attachment to any golf cart, and preferably includes a display device, such as a plasma or LCD screen attached to the back of the storage unit.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a article carrying device that includes an inner panel and a generally rigid outer panel. The outer panel is defined in part by an upper edge and a lower edge. The inner panel is hingedly coupled to the back panel proximal to the lower edge. The outer panel is rotatable between a closed position wherein the inner panel and the outer panel are substantially coplanar and an open position wherein the outer panel is angled with respect to the inner panel. The device includes a stay member interconnecting the inner panel and the outer panel. The stay member is operable to retain the outer panel in the open position. The device further includes a flexible liner member coupled to the inner panel and the outer panel. The flexible liner member defines an arcuate article carrying surface therebetween when the outer panel is in the open position.

Abstract: An article holder/message display unit having one or more article holding compartments and a message panel bearing indicia of a message for viewing. This article holder/message display unit is arranged to be mounted to a visor in a vehicle so that articles can be stored in the article holding compartments by an individual while in the vehicle and a message on the message panel can be viewed by an individual outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for mounting an accessory to an automotive vehicle includes at least one shoulder fastener having a shank and a head extending above the vehicle surface. A mounting base for an accessory has an aperture permitting the mounting base to lock upon the shoulder fastener. A retainer prevents the mounting base from slidably disengaging from shoulder fastener once the base has been locked upon the shoulder fastener.

Abstract: A storage container for personal items, tools, gear, and the like, that can be mounted to a motorcycle or other recreational vehicle. A lid fits to the top of the container and is attached to the containment body with slide-hinges on either end of one side of the containment body. The lid is able to raise vertically above the containment body for the distance allowed by the bolt and slide-hinge arrangement, then pivot over to one side of the containment body, for ease in packing and retrieving objects inside the box. The lid can be latched tightly over the containment body by way of locks at each end. The lid rests against a rubber sealing ring around the opening of the containment body to provide a tight seal for protecting the contents inside the box against elements. In its fully open state, the lid can support small items.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.

Abstract: A tray for use in a car trunk includes a main body, and several gripping elements; the main body has a circumferential wall, and several connecting protrusions thereon, and it is firmly held in a car trunk with the circumferential wall touching an inner side of the trunk; each of the gripping elements has at least one connecting hole on a lower end thereof; the gripping elements are connected to the main body in a relocatable manner with the connecting protrusions being fitted in the connecting holes, such that said gripping elements are pressed against circumferential sides of objects supported on the main body to hold the objects steady.

Abstract: A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.

Abstract: A case (10) is provided with a compartment (20) that has a shelf (28) pivotally carried therein. When the shelf (28) is in a stowed position, the compartment (20) is full-sized for larger objects, and when the shelf (28) is in the extended position, the compartment (20) is effectively divided and sized specifically to receive blender components. The case (10) can be transported in three different manners. It can be carried by a handle (43), it can be moved on wheels (44) and controlled by a telescoping handle (45), or it can be carried as a backpack by straps (51) which can be stored in a pocket (52) when not in use.

Abstract: A storage device for providing easy access to a use article. The storage device includes a holster for being attached to and carried by a support. The use article is moveably mounted to the holster for movement between a storage position and a use position. The movement including a first sliding motion where the use article is at least partially withdrawn from the holster and a second motion where the use article is pivoted into the use position.

Abstract: Cases for portable electronic devices, including cases that provide support as well as protection. Cases may be configured to contain a video-capable electronic device (601) and may both protect the device and allow it to maintain a hands-free viewing position. Embodiments include a first panel (110) having an upper portion (111) and a lower portion (112) separated from each other by a hinge line (113), a second panel (120) spaced apart from and coupled to the upper portion of the first panel by a first sidewall (160) and a second sidewall (170), and a third panel (130) spaced apart from and coupled to the lower portion of the first panel by a third sidewall (180) and a fourth sidewall (190). The first panel is capable of being folded along the hinge line into a flexed position.

Abstract: A personal electronic device carrier having a pocket portion that includes a front layer and a back layer wherein a portion of said layers are attached together about their edges so as to allow said device to be removeably inserted into said pocket portion, wherein said front layer is made of a flexible transparent material so as to allow operation of said device when positioned in said pocket, and wherein said back layer includes a loop layer wherein a portion of said back layer and loop layer are attached together so at to create a looped portion; retaining means fixedly attached within said pocket portion for detachably retaining said device in said carrier; strap means attachable to said carrier for securing said carrier to an object; and jewelry attachment means for attachment of personal effects to said carrier.

Abstract: A tape dispenser has a tubular hub for receiving a roll of tape, and the hub has an axis and axially spaced first and second ends. A first wall extends radially outwardly of the hub at the first end, and a second wall is radially spaced from the hub and extends axially from the first wall the direction toward the second end of said hub. The hub includes a portion extending axially outwardly of the outer end of the second wall, and the first end and the latter portion of the hub are contoured for the first end of one tape dispenser to axially receive the portion of the hub of a second tape dispenser to interengage the two dispensers.

Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate, said bonding tool comprising an at least substantially cylindrical portion having a concentric capillary therein through which the fine wire runs; a working tip portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion being tapered towards the tip thereof, said working tip portion having an annular chamfer at the tip thereof; wherein the concentric capillary opens into the annular chamfer of the working tip, and wherein the diameter of the cylindrical portion decreases consecutively at a plurality of discrete intervals along the length of the cylindrical portion towards the working tip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for simultaneously transferring multiple components using multi-orifice collets with a pick-and-place apparatus. Multiple electronic components, such as light emitting diodes can be picked and place simultaneously while maintaining the spacing and orientation of the components found in the original location.

Abstract: A rotating type soldering device is used for soldering a heat pipe and includes a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism includes an actuator and a plurality of wheels. The heat pipe is arranged between the wheels. A soldering mechanism with a solder gun is arranged on one side of the rotation mechanism. The solder gun is corresponding to one side of the heat pipe and electrically connected to a first electrode. A liquid-supplying mechanism is arranged atop the wheels. The liquid-supplying mechanism is electrically connected to a second electrode, which has different polarity with the first electrode. Therefore, the liquid-supplying mechanism can supply electrically conductive liquid to an exterior portion of the heat pipe. The electrical arc is intense and the thermal deform of heat pipe is small.

Abstract: A rotating type soldering device is used for soldering a heat pipe and includes a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism includes an actuator and a plurality of wheels. The heat pipe is arranged between the wheels. A soldering mechanism with a solder gun is arranged on one side of the rotation mechanism. The solder gun is corresponding to one side of the heat pipe and electrically connected to a first electrode. A pressing mechanism with a pressing plate is arranged atop the wheels. One end of the pressing plate is pressed against one side of the heat pipe and another side of the pressing plate is electrically connected to a second electrode. The electrical arc is intense and the thermal deform of heat pipe is small.

Abstract: A rotating type soldering device is used for soldering a heat pipe and includes a rotation mechanism and a soldering mechanism. The rotation mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of wheels driven by the actuator. The wheels are conductive and electrically connected to a first electrode. The heat pipe is arranged between the wheels and in rotational contact with the wheels. The soldering mechanism is arranged on one side of the rotation mechanism and includes a solder gun corresponding to a first end of the heat pipe. The solder gun is electrically connected to a second electrode and used to seal an opening end of the heat pipe. The electrical arc is intense and the thermal deform of heat pipe is small.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a multilayered reactive foil preform including alternating layers of first and second materials deposited on foils. The layers also include piezoelectric ceramic particles to provide an electrical stimulus when pressure is applied to activate an exothermic reaction between the first and second materials.

Abstract: Microelectronic packages are disclosed. In one aspect, a microelectronic package may include a substrate, a cap layer over the substrate, and a sealed chamber defined between the substrate and the cap layer. The package may include one or more openings to the sealed chamber that are closed by a reflowed material. One or more minutely fabricated structures, such as, for example, MEMS, may be coupled with the substrate within the sealed chamber. One or more interconnect may be included to couple the one or more minutely fabricated structures with a signaling medium that is external to the sealed chamber. Methods of making the microelectronic packages and systems including the microelectronic packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device suitable for a condenser microphone includes: first and second electrodes; and a housing defining an accommodating space for receiving the first and second electrodes therein and having a base that confines one side of the accommodating space and that has an outer surface which is provided with a first solder bump electrically connected to one of the first and second electrodes, and a plurality of second solder bumps connected electrically to the other of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A solder alloy is provided in which generation of an oxide film of Zn—Sn based or Zn—In based solder alloy, which can be easily oxidized, can be restrained without deteriorating the mechanical characteristics, and a soldering method that causes less joining defects is provided. Soldering is performed in an inert atmosphere or reductive atmosphere, using a solder alloy containing one or more of Sn and In at a maximum of 50% by weight and containing P at 0.0005% by weight or more and less than 0.001% by weight, with the remaining part made of Zn and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods and apparatus for use in determining solderability of an electrical component. One particular aspect relates to apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber, a load sensor, a platform and a control module. The load sensor has a contact portion disposed within the vacuum chamber and the platform is disposed in relation to the contact portion and has a component mounting surface and a mounting member for mounting an electrical component to the component mounting surface. The control module causes relative movement between the plafform and the load sensor so that a contact surface of the electrical component is brought into close proximity with the contact portion. When the contact portion has solder thereon and the solder is brought into contact with the contact surface, the load sensor measures force arising from wetting of the solder to the contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing a structural component, especially a stator-side structural component of a gas turbine such as a housing or a guide vane ring, whereby a damaged section is separated-out from the structural component, and whereby a new section that replaces the damaged as well as separated-out section is fixedly or rigidly connected with the structural component by welding. According to the invention, the damaged section is separated-out from the structural component to be repaired in such a manner so that the length of a separating seam and therewith a later weld seam is minimized, whereby depending on the material thickness distribution along the separating seam, for providing a most uniform possible material thickness along the later weld seam, material is removed from the structural component, and whereby after the connecting of the structural component with the new section, at least the removed material is renewed by laser powder deposit welding.

Abstract: A portable accordion file organizer including rectangular front and back panels, accordion walls connecting opposite sides and the bottom of the front and back panels, and N sequential divider panels Pn secured to the accordion walls between the front and back panels. Each divider panel has a height greater than the height of the divider panel in front of it and less than the height of the divider panel behind it. The divider panels also each have a cutout section in its top edge wherein the cutout sections of adjacent divider panels are laterally spaced from one another on alternating sides of the center of the divider panel, and have a height which is substantially at least the difference in the height of adjacent divider panels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a form for a postcard mailer are disclosed. An example form includes a substrate sheet having top and bottom edges, first and second side edges, and first and second faces. The form also includes at least first and second fold lines dividing the sheet into at least first, second, and third panels with a hang tag removably coupled to at least a portion of one of the first, second or third panels. Finally, the form has a first adhesive area provided on the first face of at least one of the second or third panels and a second adhesive area provided on the second face of at least one of the first and second panels, wherein the first and second adhesive areas adhere the third panel to the first face of the second panel and the first panel to the second face of the second panel when the substrate sheet is folded about the fold lines.

Abstract: A decorative attachment device which quickly and easily secures decorative items to a gift package, and means of use thereof.