Abstract: A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.

Abstract: A system having a power source and a welding stud positioning controller configured to cooperate with the power source to output first, second, and third current levels one after another to a welding stud positioning device. In some embodiments, the welding stud controller may be coupled to the power source, and the first, second, and third current levels may be different from one another.

Abstract: A system, method and software product for modeling spot welds in a finite element analysis is described. The spots welds are represented by beam elements or solid elements in accordance with an indicator flag. The flag may also be specified as the number (e.g., an integer such as 1, 4, 8 or 16) of solid elements in a cluster representing spot weld. The solid elements may include, but not limited to, hexahedron, tetrahedron, and the likes. The number of solid elements and required nodes are generated for each spot weld based on the indicator flag. A table is formed to group the generated solid elements in a cluster together, so that the force and moment resultants of the spot weld can be computed and assembled in a file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel plasmatorch (1) and to its application within the field of chemicophysical conversion of matter The plasmatorch (1) comprises a pair of electrodes apart from each other, a plasma arc (10) existing between the two electrodes and a collimator (14) arranged for converging the plasma arc (10). The arcing material is stored within a special storage tank and is realised by a metal vapour, preferably by the vapour of an alkali or an alkali-earth metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders in continuous flux under the action of laser pyrolysis in at least one interaction zone between a beam (11) emitted by a laser (10) and a flux of reagents (13) emitted by an injector (14), in which the laser is followed by optical means (12) for distributing the energy of the beam emitted by the latter according to an axis perpendicular to the axis of each flux of reagents, in an elongated cross-section having adjustable dimensions at the level of this at least one interaction zone. It also relates to a process for production of such powders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding current is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding. The welding current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and an auxiliary power controller that can receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for improved weldable composites. A metal composite structure (10) features two metal members (12)(14) sandwiching a viscoelastic layer (26) where the viscoelastic layer entrains carbide-forming, carbon trapping particles (28) configured and sized to provide an effective inhibitor to carbon migration from the viscoelastic layer during welding.

Abstract: Tempering methods are provided for performing a defined, particularly cyclical thermal treatment of small amounts of liquid on substrates. One or several amounts of liquid are applied to a substrate. The substrate is brought in thermal contact with heating apparatus that is started during heating phases of the thermal treatment. A thermally conductive element having thermal capacity greater than or equal to the sum of thermal capacities of the amounts of liquid, substrate and at least part of the heating apparatus in thermal contact with the substrate, is brought in thermal contact with the substrate or the heating apparatus during cooling phases of the thermal treatment. Thermal contact between the thermally conductive element and substrate is interrupted and the heating apparatus started during heating phases of the thermal treatment. A tempering method in which substrates having integrated heating are used as well a tempering device suitable for carrying out these methods, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical heating arrangement, especially for a motor vehicle, said arrangement comprising an air channel housing (20) through which air to be heated flows as required, and an electrical heating clement (2) which is arranged in the air channel housing (20). The invention is characterised in that the electrical heating element (2) is arranged directly in the air channel housing (20).

Abstract: An image heating member includes a first region having a Curie temperature higher than a preset temperature, and a second region having a Curie temperature lower than the Curie temperature of the first region. A width of the first region in a conveying direction of a recording material is equal to or larger than a width of the recording material of a maximum size to be fed. The second region is provided outside the first region.

Abstract: New methods are provided or manufacture ceramic resistive igniter elements that include sintering of the elements in the absence of substantially elevated pressures. Ceramic igniters also are provided that are obtainable from fabrication methods of the invention.

Abstract: In one aspect, ceramic resistive heating elements are provided that comprise three or more electrically segregated conductive zones. In another aspect, ceramic heating elements are provided that comprise a plurality of conductive zones, wherein only a portion of the conductive zones pass current during use of the heating element. In a further aspect, heating elements of the invention can be readily modified to operate at a variety of voltages. The multiple conductive zones can provide extended heating element operating lifetimes.

Abstract: A glow plug includes a heater member; heater power lead wires which extend rearward along an axis and whose conductors electrically communicate with one and of a heater conductor for supply of power; a sensor, portion for detecting the combustion pressure of an internal combustion engine; a sensor connection line connected to the sensor portion and extending rearward along the axis; a housing; a sensor-portion-enclosing tube; and a grommet formed from an insulating rubber-like elastic material., having insertion holes through which the heater power lead wires and the sensor connection line are respectively inserted, the grommet liquid-tightly closing an end portion of the sensor-portion-enclosing tube and liquid-tightly holding the heater power lead wires and the sensor connection line.

Abstract: The cook top includes a colorless transparent glass ceramic plate, which is provided with an opaque coating extending over its underside, except that in at least one window area a window coating is provided on the underside of the glass ceramic plate area instead of the opaque coating. In order to optimize colored displays arranged under the at least one window area and to facilitate the use of capacitive touch sensors, the window coating is a burned-in noble metal preparation with an electrical surface resistance of 1 M?/? and in the at least one window area the glass ceramic plate coated with the window coating has a transmission in a range from 1.0 to 21.0% and a light scattering in a range of from 0.0 to 1.0% for visible light with wavelengths of from 400 nm to 750 nm.

Abstract: An ice protection system for a structure has at least one electro-thermal heating element carried by the structure and a controller for selectively controlling the operation of each heating element. The controller operates each heating element according to a selected duty cycle defined by a pattern of time intervals, the controller selecting the duty cycle at least partially in response to measurements of ambient conditions about the structure.

Abstract: A layered thermometer for measuring core body temperature includes a plurality of layers. A first layer contacts the skin of a body being measured where the first layer includes a first sensor and a first insulating component, and optionally a protective layer contiguous with the skin. The first layer detects a first temperature substantially at the skin. A second layer is located contiguous to the first layer where the second layer includes a second sensor and a second insulating component. The second layer detects a second temperature substantially away from the skin. The values of the first temperature and the second temperature indicate the core temperature of the body. Alternative embodiments include a thermometer with three or more layers. Further alternative embodiments include analytic devices and devices statistical analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible electrothermal composite. In one embodiment, a flexible electorthermal composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a number of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the matrix, the carbon nanotubes forming a plurality of conductive network in the polymer. The flexible electrothermal composite has high flexibility, resistance and intensity.

Abstract: A reactor is provided with a coil, a core, and a case. The coil generates magnetic flux in response to supply of current thereto. The core is made of magnetic powder-containing resin filled in spaces inside and outside of the core. The case accommodates therein the coil and the core. The reactor is also provided with a cooling pipe (cooling member), which is arranged to be in contact with the core. A power converter is provided with semiconductor modules, a cooler, and the reactor. In the power converter, the cooler is arranged partially being in contact with the core of the reactor.

Abstract: A composite material that increases in temperature upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation comprising single crystal silicon carbide whiskers and fibrils in a matrix material. Also, heat-generating objects comprising the composite material, and a method of generating heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave chemical reaction apparatus characterized by comprising a means for heating a reaction liquid, which is capable of irradiating microwaves while controlling the output power according to the temperature of the reaction liquid, together with a means for forcibly cooling the reaction liquid from the outside, and being capable of precisely controlling the reaction temperature. The microwave chemical reaction apparatus can control the reaction temperature precisely, for example, within ±1° C. of a predetermined temperature, and can be applied to fine chemical reactions. Further, since reactions proceed rapidly in such an apparatus, mass production can be achieved by a relatively small-sized reaction apparatus.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a heating chamber into which an object to be heated is placed and heated for a predetermined period of time, a microwave heating unit, a plurality of electrothermal heating units, and a secondary battery charged by a commercial AC power supply and supplying electric power to at least a specific one of the electrothermal heating units. The predetermined heating period of time includes a part in which the specific electrothermal heating unit to which electric power is supplied by the secondary battery is operated simultaneously with the other heating units.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a housing and a transparent cover, which is joined to the housing by a light ray welding. A front face of the transparent cover is curved and a rear face of the transparent cover includes a welding face portion formed along a circumferential portion thereof. In at least one section of the transparent cover, respective end portions of the front face corresponding to the welding face portion are inclined in different directions, and an angle of the welding face portion with respect to a reference line, which passes through the transparent cover and forms equal angles with respect to the respective end portions of the front face, is closer to a right angle than the angle of each of the end portions of the front face with respect to the reference line.

Abstract: The container (1) comprises two half-shells (3a, 3b). On the edges of the half-shells (3a, 3b) at least one male coupling element (15b) and at least two female coupling elements (15a) are formed. The half-shells (3a, 3b) can be plugged together in an arbitrary manner to form containers (1) or other structures, in that male coupling elements (15b) are engaged in gaps (17) between two adjacent female coupling elements (15a).

Abstract: A container ensemble for food packaging comprising a substantially planar lid member formed of a polymeric material which has a plurality of substantially planar lids which are integrally formed and separably joined to each other, each of the lids including a sealing channel around its perimeter and a skirt extending outwardly therefrom. The lid member is provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The other component of the ensemble is a cup member formed of a polymeric material defining a plurality of cups which are integrally formed and also separably joined to each other, the cups including a bottom, a sidewall, and a brim about an upper opening of each cup. Each cup has a skirt extending outwardly from its brim provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation.

Abstract: A sanitary waste bin and disposal system for the convenient and hygienic disposal of waste products. A waste bin comprises a container for storing the waste material, the container having a first opening; a cover for the first opening, the cover having a second opening; a lid comprising top and bottom surfaces defining a receptacle, the lid being attached to the cover such that the lid is pivotable within the second opening between an open position where the receptacle is positioned to receive waste material, and a closed position where the receptacle is positioned to deposit waste material into the container; a lever for engaging the lid to operate between the closed position and the open position; and a handle for lifting the bin when disposing of the waste material. Also disclosed is a sanitary waste system comprising the waste bin and a bracket for mounting the bin to a wall, and a system comprising the waste bin and a tray for carrying at least two of the bins in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A vessel is disclosed including a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a top opening and a lower end, a bottom wall structure extending from the peripheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the bottom wall structure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavity which forms an extension of the first cavity, and indicia on the bottom wall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity.

Abstract: A type of frame utilized in transporting a container. The frame includes top and bottom frames which each have two corner fittings and four corner posts, The four corner posts are connected to the four corners of the top and bottom frames respectively through a first detachable fastener combination whereby the hole distance of the two corner fittings falls in an approximate range of 2260 mm. A method is also providing for installing a container into the frame. The frame and method of installation are utilized for special containers utilized as trailers in marine transportation. The transporting frames are used for both hoisting and stacking containers, which are easy to recycle and operate.

Abstract: The anti-siphon device prevents a hose or siphon tube from being inserted into the fuel inlet line for a fuel tank of a vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer. The anti-siphon device includes a tube with cams which are moveable from a retracted position to an extended position via a camming sleeve inserted into the tube. The cams are extended into contact with the inside surface of the fuel tank inlet line and preclude removal of the anti-siphon device from the inlet line. The device further includes flighting which prevents a siphon hose from being inserted through the tube into the fuel tank of the vehicle. Holes are provided in the tube of the device to allow fuel to flow freely into the tank during filling. The fuel also passes through the central opening of the camming sleeve, and through a central opening in the flighting for passage out of the bottom of the tube.

Abstract: My invention is an improvement on a two piece can end that will not have a pull Tab on it; on like the ones being used today on beverage cans such as beer, pop or any other product that my improvement can be applied to.

Abstract: In a gas cartridge, inside of a metal made outer can 1 is arranged with a metal made inner bag 2 charged with a fuel gas G1. A space between the outer can 1 and the inner bag 2 is charged with a compression gas G2 for pressing to crush the inner bag 2 in accordance with consumption of the fuel gas G1. Pertinent positions on an inner side of the outer can 1 are provided with deformation introducing members P1 through P7 for producing an initial deformation for introducing a deformation of the inner bag when a press force of the compression gas G2 is received.

Abstract: A cabinet for gas utility meter comprises a cover and a backing. The backing positioned behind a meter and the backing being fixedly attached to a wall. The backing has a bar bracket, a support bracket, and a meter riser bracket. A latching means to secure the cover over the backing. The backing and the cover have reinforced moulded ribs. A shut-off gas valve opening allows for access to a gas valve. There are also gas vent openings such as a bottom vent opening.

Abstract: A trashcan/liner dispensing system that is retrofitted to fit inside of a trashcan. The invention involves a pouch located on the upper portion of one of the sidewalls of the trashcan that contains a disposable cartridge filled with plastic liners. The pouch is attached to the sidewall of the trashcan through the use of double-sided adhesive strips. The bottom of the pouch is beveled toward the back, thereby minimizing the space usage of the pouch inside of the trashcan.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a hollow monolithic aluminum-alloy element provided with at least one handle, comprising: a first step for drawing an adapted portion of flat metal plate, obtaining a pre-deformed element which resembles, as regards the bottom and wall, the shape of the finished element and has, at the top of the wall, a protrusion at the at least one handle to be obtained; a second step for coining the pre-deformed element provided in the first step, obtaining an element which has a portion of a wall which is comprised between the at least one handle and the top of the wall.

Abstract: Electroless-nickel-plated cast iron cookware, wherein a substrate consisting of a skillet, pot, pan or the like, is coated by cleaning and deoxidizing the surface of the cookware substrate, rinsing the substrate, soaking the substrate in a dilute potassium carbonate solution, and applying an electroless nickel coating to the surface of the metal substrate. The nickel-plated cast iron cookware product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas tank for receiving a protective gas in electrical switchgear of a power supply has a non-transparent housing section and a viewing window which occludes a passage in the non-transparent housing section in a gas-tight manner. The object is to provide an inexpensive gas tank that reliably seals even at higher temperatures. For this purpose, the viewing window is formed onto the non-transparent housing section.

Abstract: A shipping container for cooling a product contained therein is provided. The shipping container includes at least one compartment including a frozen material.

Abstract: A thermal insulating container (1) of the present invention includes a container body (9) formed of an inner container shell (2) for housing a heat generation unit (H), and of an outer container shell (3) for covering the inner container shell (2), and a vacuum layer (4) located between the inner container shell (2) and the outer container shell (3). Further, the thermal insulating container (1) is characterized in that the heat generation unit-side surface of the inner container shell (2) is covered with a thermal insulator (5). In the thermal insulating container (1), the thermal insulator (5) is provided between the inner container shell (2) and the heat generation unit (5), and the temperature rise of the inner container shell (2) is gas permeation through the inner container shell (2) is restricted.

Abstract: A stackable cooler includes a first container member comprising a bottom and sides enclosing a container space and configured for insulating the container space. The first container member defines an opening dimensioned for removably and insulatingly receiving products into the container space. At least one first hook is supportively associated with the first container member for hooking to a support structure with the container member hanging therefrom. The first hook and first container member are configured for placing the stackable cooler in a nested association with second and third stackable coolers that are of similar construction to the stackable cooler and has second and third container members and hooks, respectively. In the nested association the first container member is nested through a second opening in the second container space of the second container member and nestingly receives the third container member through the first opening in the first container space of the first container member.

Abstract: The paper shredder of this invention includes a machine body having cutting blades therein and a wastebasket or bin for containing paper chips, including a base provided beneath a wastebasket or bin; at least one support spring provided between the base and the wastebasket or bin to form an appropriate gap between the wastebasket or bin and the base, whereby when the user rocks the wastebasket or bin forwards and backwards, or sideways, chips in a chip mountain accumulated beneath the discharge port at the cutting blades can be spread outwards, to increase the space for receiving the paper chips in the wastebasket or bin, to prevent the “chip mountain” from impeding smooth falling of subsequent paper chips, thereby affecting overall operative functions of the paper shredders.

Abstract: It consists of a laminar portion (10) with a harmless adhesive coating on at least part of one of its faces, which is applied over the upper end (12) of the can (11), fitted with a ring-pull opener (13) that breaks a fin that is bent inside the can (11) and remains joined to the said ring-pull (13). The laminar portion (10) includes a pull appendage (17) together with a strip (15) that is connected to a band (16) having an adhesive coating, prepared for being joined around a portion of the body of the can (11). By pulling on the said appendage (17) the said laminar portion (10) can be removed, the strip (15) can rotate about its own plane and the laminar portion (10) is able to be stuck by its adhesive face to the side wall of the can (11).

Abstract: A double rimmed beverage cup and holder is disclosed. A second rim encircles the outer surface of the cup a spaced distance below the rim encircling the cup opening. In use, the cup is secured within a holder having a handle for convenient hand grasping, and an annular groove matching the projecting second rim on the cup. The user manually snap fits the groove within the holder over the cup's second rim, thereby permitting reliable cup lid securing and removal while providing the user a more normally pleasant drinking or eating experience.

Abstract: In a closure cap (1) for a container having a disk-like lid (3) in which is provided a product dispensing channel (5) that leads to an opening (4), a hinge (6) is used to hinge the lid (3) to a casing member (7) of the closure cap (1). The hinge (6) is provided in order to be able to swivel the lid (3) selectively into a closed position, in which the opening (4) is sealed by an inner surface (8) of the casing member (7), and into an open position, in which the opening (4) is not covered by the casing member (7). A connection (9), especially a screw thread, is used for mounting the closure cap (1) on the container and for supplying product from the container via a slot (10) in the closure cap (1) to the product dispensing channel (5). In order to be able to place the lid (3) on the casing member (7) with relatively little exertion of force (7), the hinge (6) is designed as a snap-on connection.

Abstract: An insert for a multiple component container includes a reservoir with an opening defined by a peripheral edge which, in use, is connected to a sealing element (20). In use, the reservoir and the sealing element define a substantially sealed space. The reservoir includes a stationary portion (2) and a movable portion (4), which is connected to the stationary portion and is movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. A discharge opening (6) is formed in the movable portion (4) and a gas leakage path is provided in the reservoir wall. A valve member (14) is connected to the stationary portion (2) and cooperates with the discharge opening (6) and substantially seals it. The application of a greater gas pressure to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior results in movement of the movable portion (4) away from the stationary portion (2) and thus in the valve member (14) moving out of sealing contact with the discharge opening (6).

Abstract: An improved lidded container includes a receptacle portion with a brim having a plurality of lateral substantially straight brim wall segments provided with medial sealing beads extending between corners of the brim. The medial sealing beads are characterized in that they project away from the respective walls upon which they are disposed a maximum distance at a central portion of the wall and the medial sealing beads extend over a major portion of the length of the lateral sealing wall upon which they are disposed. Most preferably, the beads are tangent with and terminate at rounded corners between the wall segments.

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument for handling of a plurality of fluid test sensors comprises an outer housing, a sensor pack, a protective covering, a mechanism adapted to support and to rotate the sensor pack and a knife blade assembly. The sensor pack contains a plurality of sensors disposed in a sensor cavity on the sensor pack. The protective covering overlays the plurality of sensors. The knife blade assembly includes a plastic knife blade adapted to puncture the protective covering and to eject one of the sensors from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: A note container includes a base assembly and a first and a second compartment. The base assembly has a body and two half covers. The body has an inner space and a pressing button. The half covers are pivotally mounted on the body to cover the inner space. The first compartment is demountably mounted in the inner space of the body and divides the inner space into an upper space and a lower space. The second compartment is pivotally mounted on the body, held in the upper space when the half covers cover the inner space of the body. The second compartment has a receiving recess on which a paper holder with several second stacks of notepaper is mounted. The lower space is adapted to hold first stack of notepaper. The note container contains notepaper in various sizes, shapes and colors.

Abstract: A wet wipes package including an outer carton having an opening. Disposed within the carton is an interior tub having a baffle and an aperture located in the baffle. A rigid flip top is disposed over the carton opening for access to the interior tub and a plurality of wet wipes is disposed within the interior tub beneath the baffle. Because the exterior of the wet wipes package is similar to a facial tissue carton, similar graphical treatments as applied to facial tissue cartons can be used to design an attractive package.

Abstract: A projection nut feeding device ensuring that a threaded hole in a projection nut accurately coincides with an electrode guide pin. The front end of a feed rod (6) is provided with a projecting piece (31) for supporting a multi-sided projection nut (1) from below in such a manner that the projecting piece (31) is in intimate contact with the outer side surfaces (35) of the nut (1). The inner side of the projecting piece (31) is formed with crossed support surfaces (37) for supporting the outer side surfaces (35) of the nut (1). The corner lines (38) in the place where the two support surfaces (37) cross each other is arranged to be directed to the underside of the feed rod (6).

Abstract: A spring loaded adjustable cup dispenser featuring a tubular design with an open end and at least one adjustable cup retaining member disposed therein. After being installed in a counter or cabinet having a flat surface, the adjustable retaining members of the dispenser are accessible through the open end. Once accessed, the retaining members may be radially adjusted from a setting enabling the dispenser to house and dispense cups of a particular size to house and dispense cups of a different size. A cup retaining member is further provided. The retaining member features a first and second end connected together by an elongated body. The retaining member additionally features a rounded edge between the second end and the elongated body which is adapted to engage the lip of the uppermost cup in a dispenser in a manner which enables the cups to be readily dispensed one at a time.

Abstract: A measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal, and is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.