Abstract: A welder power supply apparatus (10) includes an inverter (20), which is driven intermittently when an electrode (34) and a workpiece (36) are separated from each other and no arc is being generated between them, whereby power loss generated in the inverter (20) when the inverter (20) is driven in the non-load state of the power supply apparatus and power loss caused by exciting current flowing through an transformer (24) disposed in the output of the inverter (20) can be reduced. The inverter (20) is driven continuously when output current (Io) becomes higher than a threshold value (Ib) after the electrode (34) and the workpiece (36) are brought into contact with each other for starting arcing between them.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for controlling a constant current regime, such as for stick welding. The regime includes a dig segment or regime in which current is increased as voltage decreases. The dig regime is initiated at a voltage that can be set by an operator. The constant current regime also includes two distinct constant current segments separated by a transition segment. The transition segment occurs at a predetermined voltage, permitting rapid and predictable operation as an arc is lengthened during welding. The constant current segments may be suitable for different types of electrode. The dig selection also permits customizing the regime for soft or stiff digs that are initiated at different voltages (or arc lengths) suitable for different electrode types.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing moisture from a lighting apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for removing moisture from a lighting apparatus includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) for outputting visible light and at least one LED for outputting infrared light to remove moisture from the housing.

Abstract: A heater includes an electrically conducting heating element, an insulator and a spring urging the insulator into contact with the heating element. The spring is formed from a superalloy and is operable to output a substantially constant force at a predetermined deflection up to approximately 650° C.

Abstract: An electrically heatable comforter is formed from upper and lower fabric outer layers extending generally parallel to each other and being closed along the edges of the layers to form a shell. One or more interior panels extend between the outer layers, and have respective ends connected to, the upper and lower outer layers. The comforter further includes a sleeve that is fixed to the interior panels and is spaced from their connections to the upper and lower layer. A heating wire is located within at least a portion of the sleeve in order to hold the heating wire away from the outer surfaces of the comforter and to keep the wire from moving about. In addition, the comforter can be stuffed with a fill material located inside the comforter shell on at least one side of the interior panels.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a plurality of connectable sheet elements that have heating wires embedded therein. The sheet elements include starting sections, ending sections, middle sections and corners sections with the thermostat having long wires for connection to the starting and ending sheets. The sheet elements can be used in a bathroom or the like. The floor system of the present invention is installed underneath tile floors to heat the tile floor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a collar iron buck 2 on which the collar 1a of a shirt 1 is mounted while being extended in a lateral direction and a press iron 3 for press finishing the collar 1a while pressing against the upper surface of the collar iron buck 2 . The upper surface position 2a of the collar iron buck 2 corresponding to the central part of the collar 1a in its longitudinal direction are notched in inverse triangular-shapes as seen from a front elevational view, the right and left position 2b communicated with the upper surface position 2a and corresponding to both ends of the collar 1a in its longitudinal direction are formed into a horizontal surface shape. The upper surface of the collar iron buck 2 are set to be a flat surface shape when they are depressed with the press iron 3. The iron surface of the press iron 3 is formed into a flat surface shape.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: A convection cooking apparatus includes a cabinet including sides and a bottom, and a lid attached to the cabinet and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. A divider is disposed in the cabinet and divides the cabinet into a heating chamber and a cooking chamber. A cooking grate extends across a width of the cabinet over the heating chamber, the divider, and the cooking chamber. The cabinet also includes an air inlet in the heating chamber and an air outlet in the cooking chamber. The simplified design is less expensive to manufacture, while the construction maintains air-flow characteristics to preserve cooking performance.

Abstract: An integrated thermal unit comprising a bake plate configured to heat a substrate supported on a surface of the bake plate; a chill plate configured to cool a substrate supported on a surface of the chill plate; and a substrate transfer shuttle configured to transfer substrates from the bake plate to the cool plate, wherein the substrate transfer shuttle has a temperature controlled substrate holding surface that is capable of cooling a substrate heated by the bake plate.

Abstract: A thermal processor including a rotating drum including an internal heater configured to heat and maintain the drum at a desired set-point temperature, and a plurality of pressure rollers, including a first pressure roller, circumferentially spaced along a segment of the drum. A temperature sensor is configured to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature proximate to the first pressure roller. A controller is configured to adjust the desired set-point temperature based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck heater including a base which is formed by: applying conductive paste containing a binder to upper and lower surfaces of an alumina sintered body to print an electrostatic electrode and heater electrode; calcining the alumina sintered body; arranging alumina powder above the electrostatic electrode and alumina powder below the heater electrode; and pressing the alumina powder and alumina sintered body in the above state for pressure sintering. The diffusion area ratio of the conductive material near the electrostatic electrode in the dielectric layer is set not more.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit, for use in connection a hot melt adhesive dispensing system, comprises a pair of redundant heater elements which are disposed together in a first, single heater element cartridge body disposed within a first cavity defined within an applicator head, and a pair of redundant temperature sensors which are disposed together within a second, single temperature sensor cartridge body disposed within a second cavity defined within the applicator head. The disposition of both redundant heater elements within the first, single heater element cartridge body, and the disposition of both redundant temperature sensors within the second, single temperature sensor cartridge body permits the applicator head to be reduced in size and rendered more compact, and the electrical connection of the redundant heater elements and the redundant temperature sensors to the power circuit more simplified.

Abstract: A stirring hot plate for simultaneously heating and stirring a mixture includes a phase controlled motor that spins magnets which couple to, and thereby spin, a stir bar within the mixture. In addition to spinning the magnets, the motor includes an operational mode in which the motor is rapidly braked thereby quickly spinning down the stir bar. The stirring hot plate also includes a visual indicator to the user that the platform is hot-to-the-touch that is especially effective when the stirring hot plate is not in use.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, e.g., including a bus, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.

Abstract: A warming system includes a thermal battery for storing energy and warming an item. The thermal battery includes a porous, electrically-conductive material and a phase-change substance. The phase change substance is interspersed in a plurality of pores in the porous, electrically conductive materially. The warming system includes a first and second compartment. The first compartment is for receiving an item to be warmed, and the second compartment is for retaining the thermal battery therein.

Abstract: Various microwave energy interactive display packages, blanks for forming such packages, and methods of displaying and heating a food item are provided.

Abstract: A microwave insulating material includes a dimensionally stable support, a patterned adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the support, a polymer film layer overlying the patterned adhesive layer, and a plurality of expandable cells disposed between the support and the polymer film layer and defined by the patterned adhesive layer, wherein the expandable cells vary in size. A self-sealing microwave package includes a sheet of insulating material including a first surface, and a thermally activatable adhesive applied to at least a portion of the first surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high frequency heating apparatus that drives a magnetron such as a microwave, and provides a frequency modulation method of preventing harmonic current occurring due to a high frequency switching operation. When a driving signal is transmitted in order to drive a first semiconductor switching element (3) and a second semiconductor switching element (4), an inverter operating frequency in the every phase of a commercial power supply is provided as a frequency difference (inclination) of the phase range from 0° to 90° using a triangular wave-forming circuit in an oscillation circuit (16). A modulation waveform for a frequency modulation control is formed, configuring an upper limit clamp, a lower limit clamp, a lower limit value corresponding to the lowest frequency in a frequency modulation-forming circuit (15) on the basis of a commercial power rectifying voltage-dividing waveform after rectification.

Abstract: The present invention is a square-shaped product container having a bail pivotally attached to an upper portion of opposite corners of the container. A mating lid for the container is formed which mates with a top portion of the container and has a tab which extends outward and downward from a sealing lip on the lid. The tab on the lid and the bail on the container work in conjunction when a user pulls downward on the bail and upward on the tab to easily pull the tab corner of the lid upward away from the container. Then, the remaining portion of the lid sealed to the container easily follows with forces upward on the lid and downward on the bail.

Abstract: An assembly device for a power supply is composed of a rectangular case which is provided with a transversal spacer grid in a horizontal direction, with an upper spacer grid and a lower spacer grid being vertically installed above and below the transversal spacer grid, to divide the rectangular case into four rectangular positioning holes; and four rectangular power supplies which are inserted and fitted into the four rectangular positioning holes respectively, such that when the four power supplies start, four fans at their front parts can be activated, thereby allowing air inside and outside the rectangular case to be able to flow uniformly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for beverage cans, which comprises a cover and a hole and which is applied to the liquid outlet. The inventive device comprises two parts (1 and 2) which are interconnected to form an assembly and which are positioned on top of one another. The lower part or base (1), which is fixed, takes the form of a ring with a central cavity (7), the position of which corresponds to the hole in the container, and a transverse protective bar (17). The upper part or cover (2), which has a precise shape and dimensions, is mobile and can move and change position, serving directly as a lid. The aforementioned two parts are preferably joined using a hinged or articulated (9) system of slide guides. In addition, the base comprises a front projection or lip protector (16). The lower face of the cover (2) is equipped with a central structure (18) which is coupled to, and fitted in the central cavity in the base, thereby forming the closure system of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight boss system for use on a tank or pressure vessel. The boss system is preferably made of a composite or resin transfer molded (RTM) material. It is particularly useful for composite tanks, such as filament-wound composite tanks.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.

Abstract: A overcap is provided which covers the opening of a container. The overcap, in one form, engages an exterior of the container around the rim and along an inwardly directed flange which defines an opening of the container. The overcap snappingly engages with the container to produce an audible indication that the overcap is firmly attached to the container and that air is being expelled from inside the container. In another form, the overcap includes an invertible dome which is transformable between an upward convex position and an upward concave position.

Abstract: A disposable, single use, press-fit lid made from compostable press molded fibers for use with disposable beverage cups with or without an annular rim. The lid has a circular peripheral rim (11) with an extending edge to provide positional contact with the beverage cup rim. The circular peripheral rim (11) is connected to a primary lower platform (21) through a cup engaging wall (10). A secondary central raised platform (8) rises at an angle from the primary lower platform (21) from the lower end of the raised platform (19) distal to a drinking spout, up to the drinking spout which is at level with or slightly above the peripheral rim (11c). This central raised platform (8), includes two constrictions (15) referred to as finger holds that are positioned mid slope, diagonally from one another, between the lower end of the raised platform and the drink spout opening (9). These finger holds allow the easy manipulation of the lid during use.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve for a beverage container includes a flexible shell member that is collapsible into a flat panel configuration when not in use. The shell member includes a foam layer, and a liquid permeable skin layer applied to the foam layer at an inner circumferential surface thereof. The shell member is relatively thin yet provides the thermal insulating efficiency of heaver and thicker beverage container sleeves.

Abstract: A receptacle (10) comprising a container (11) and a lid (12). The container (11) has an open end defining a rim (13) and the lid (12) is removal y mountable to the open end to close the container (11). In addition to being manually removable from the container (11), the lid (12) and the rim of the container have respective complementary engagement means to allow the lid (12) to also be pivotally movable between a closed position and at least one opened position relative to the open end.

Abstract: The invention consists of a medication docking station that will accept pre-sorted medication array packages (a.k.a “blister packs”). The docking station will use digital image processing schemes to determine the state of each medication chamber. The digital image processing algorithm uses color content of a given cell (chamber) as a means to determine the state of that cell. If the color content matches that of a known empty cell, then the cell will be reported as empty, otherwise it will be determined as non-empty. The method can detect partial removal of medication pills. Also the information regarding the med-pack can be transmitted via wired or wireless means to a custom server or personal computer for further processing or forwarding to a user-client on the internet interested in adherence of a patient or care-recipient in taking medication.

Abstract: A portable battery operated coverslip dispensing device 50 includes an optical sensor 64. The optical sensor detects proximity, for example the proximity of a user's hand. The optical sensor is associated with a switch that operates the dispensing mechanism 8 in response to a signal from the optical sensor. When that signal has been received, the dispensing mechanism 8 moves the blade 10 through one cycle, i.e. the blade is moved from a start position (as shown in FIG. 1) to an extended position (at which point a coverslip has been moved to the dispensed position 60) and back to the start position. The dispense mechanism then stops. In order to dispense another coverslip the user must activate the optical sensor again.

Abstract: A sticky note feeder includes: a casing; a discharge slot provided on the casing, to which slot a sticky note having an adhesive portion at one end of the back surface is sent; a feeding unit which sends the sticky note to the discharge slot along a feeding path; and a sticky note holding portion which holds the sticky note sent by the feeding unit such that the back face of the sticky note faces to below and that the end of the sticky note where the adhesive portion is not provided is exposed through the discharge slot. The sticky note holding portion is disposed on the upstream side of the discharge slot in the feeding direction at such a position as to face the feeding path from below.

Abstract: A user interactive custom cosmetic powder color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business.

Abstract: A system for mixing beverage components in a predetermined ratio is characterized by a housing having a mixing chamber therein, first and second inlets to the chamber and an outlet from the chamber. A first beverage component is flowed through the first inlet to the mixing chamber and a second beverage component is flowed through the second inlet to the chamber for mixing of the components in the chamber and exit of the mixture from the chamber through the chamber outlet. The pressure of the second beverage component in the second inlet is sensed upstream from the chamber and the flow of at least one of the first and second beverage components to the chamber is controlled in accordance with the sensed pressure to deliver to the mixing chamber a predetermined ratio of the first and second beverage components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles comprises a pump for drawing fuel from a storage tank to a dispensing nozzle, and an air separator in fluid communication with the pump and arranged downstream the pump for removing gaseous fluid from the fuel. The air separator comprises a gaseous fluid outlet for letting out a gaseous fluid stream, and a fuel outlet for letting out a fuel stream. A valve is configured to control a flow of the gaseous fluid stream passing through the gaseous fluid outlet, said control being based on the amount of gaseous fluid.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure is adapted to mount on a filler neck of a container. The closure includes a body, a flip-top cap, and a hinge coupled to the body and the flip-top cap. The body and the cap cooperate to define a tamper-evident indicator that breaks to the first time the flip-top cap has opened to indicate that the flip-top cap has been opened.

Abstract: A portable spray dispenser includes a spray head, a portable container, and a clip secured to either the spray head or the container. The spray head includes a base, which is configured to be secured to the container, as well as a pump, which may comprise a push button with a nozzle exposed to a peripheral surface thereof. The clip resembles a conventional pen clip and is configured to secure the portable spray dispenser to a thin article, such as a pocket of a physician's coat, a shirt, or a jacket. The clip may be secured to the container, the base of the spray head, or the push button of the spray head, in which case the nozzle may be exposed through a portion of the clip. The portable spray dispenser may be used while remaining secured, by way of the clip, to a thin article.

Abstract: An ergonomic fluid dispenser. The ergonomic fluid dispenser includes a fluid container, a dispensing assembly, and a carrying case. The ergonomic fluid dispenser allows a user to remain standing during application of the fluid.

Abstract: A “water supply cap” is a device that is assembled with a bottle that loads drinking water to dispense the drinking water after the assembled unit is placed upside down; it comprises of a stand and a support collar that is installed on top of the opening of a drinking water bottle. Combination of the stand and the support collar provides a canal to discharge the drinking water and an air channel to balance the barometric pressure inside and outside of the drinking water bottle so as to ensure smoother water discharge.

Abstract: A grease output device for an electrical grease gun has a body, a double-cam member and a driving member. The body has a holder and a seat mounted with the holder. The double-cam member connects to the body and has a driven unit and a driving unit. The driven unit has a driven gear and two cams misaligning with the driven gear. The driving gear has two rings mounted around the cams and two pistol rods connecting to the rings. The driving unit has a driving gear engaging with the driven gear. The driving member connects to the body to rotate the driving gear so the driven gear is rotated to push the rings. Hence, the grease can flow out of the body successively by the pistol two pistol rods moving back and forth alternatively.

Abstract: A pump with a pressure driving head comprises a retaining tube; the retaining tube having a receiving space; liquid can flow therein; a returning element being installed in the receiving space; a movable tube received in the receiving space of the retaining tube; a head extending from a top of the movable tube; the head having an outlet which is communicated to the movable tube; when a pressure is applied to the head, the movable tube will move axially in the retaining tube; and an isolation device tightly adhered upon an inner wall of the receiving space of the retaining tube; an air isolation chamber being formed by the isolation device and the movable tube; with the pressing affect of the movable tube, a part of liquid in the retaining tube will be stored in the air isolation chamber so as to be formed with an air isolation layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid dispensing devices suitable for use to dispense liquid from a container. They have a conventional sprayer associated with a flexible down tube. The down tube has an essentially rigid upper section linked to the sprayer, an essentially rigid lower section suitable to extend into the container, and an intermediate flexible section. An essentially rigid member (e.g. a sleeve) is mounted on/to the down tube so as to move between a first position in which it covers the flexible section so as to restrict pivoting of the lower section relative to the upper section, to a second position in which it permits the lower section to pivot relative to the upper section. As the down tube is being inserted in the container a flange on the sleeve is held by the container lip so that the sleeve is caused to move between the two positions. The down tube structure is thus rigid during assembly of the tube with the container, but automatically becomes flexible thereafter.

Abstract: A dispensing gun for viscous material including a stock supporting a push rod which is advanceable along a keep in which a cartridge of a material can be mounted. The rod is advanced by means of a catch plate and a locking plate prevents the rod retreating with the catch plate. The locking plate is carried by the rod between a first and a second position so that it acts as a lost motion brake once force is removed from the trigger in one configuration of the dispensing gun, taking the dispensing force off the cartridge to prevent leaking when the trigger is not depressed. In an alternative configuration, the lost motion is reduced, for example to zero, to allow a continuous dispensing action by maintaining the pressure in the cartridge using a pumping action of the trigger.

Abstract: A winged collar support for a shirt collar including an elongated body portion having a first end, a second end and a center portion. A pair of wings protrudes from one of the first and second ends of the elongated body portion. The pair of wings has an inner side facing the center portion of the elongated body portion and an outer side opposite to the inner side. A plurality of rows of notches are formed in each wing. The plurality of rows of notches extend from the inner side of the wing to the outer side of each wing. Each notch extends from the surface of the wing to a depth of no more than half the thickness of the wing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a tire carrier support structure coupled with a vehicle frame. A tire carrier assembly is carried by the tire carrier support structure, wherein the tire carrier assembly is repeatably movable between raised and lowered positions. A tire cover assembly is carried by the tire carrier support structure. The tire cover assembly can be moved so that it extends upwardly when the tire carrier assembly is in the lowered position.

Abstract: An insulated beverage holster includes an insulated beverage container holder, a holster back, and a fastener. The holster can be releasably fastened to a support object, such as a belt of a user, in a manner preventing the beverage from spilling, while providing the user with a convenient portable storage location, freeing the user's hands for other activities.

Abstract: The present invention is a carrier useful for supporting the weight of a child on the hips of a wearer. The child carrier includes a belt having an attached seat that is intended to be worn near the wearer's waist. A child may thus sit on the seat facing the child carrier wearer. In one embodiment, the rigid form is not removable from the belt pouch. In another embodiment, the seat includes a rigid form that is removable from the belt pouch. This structure allows for easy cleaning of the belt and seat pouch. In another embodiment, the seat is substantially rigid and includes one or more seat surfaces having a softer cover. This provides for a comfortable fit for the wearer and a comfortable seat for the child. In yet another embodiment, the belt is wide near the seat, effectively distributing the child's weight on the wearer's hips.

Abstract: A wrist tether generally in the form of an “I” shape, includes a first strap portion, a second strap portion, and a connecting tether portion. In use, ends of the first strap portion are brought around and fastened together to form a loop to secure the wrist tether to an infant's wrist. Ends of the second strap portion are brought around and fastened together to form a loop to secure an object, such as a toy or a pacifier, to the other end of the wrist tether. When the object is tethered to the infant's wrist, the object is retained within the grasp of the infant at all times and prevented from falling to the floor when dropped by the infant. The length of the tether portion may be adjustable.

Abstract: The purpose the gun lap rack is to bold a rifle or shotgun in place on your lap, while riding an all terrain vehicle, (ATV). It works by placing a gun lap rack on each thigh with the opening toward your body, using the adjustable quick release straps. Then attach it around your thigh. Next, place a shotgun or rifle across your lap in the opens of each lap rack and secure the gun with the Velcro straps that are attached. This product allows the hunter to carry the gun across his or her lap, hands free; allowing quick access to your gun while riding the (ATV). The gun lap rack allows a quicker access than other ATV racks, and reduces shock to the scope, thus reducing misalignment.

Abstract: The present invention is an arm pocket attached by “V” configured straps allowing a wearer's arm to comfortably and securely support the pocket worn. A storage body may contain dual flaps extending over the top of the arm pocket when opened, and extending below the arm pocket when unlatched. The pocket can contain a “touch-through” vinyl window to allow portable music player operation without removing the player from the secured arm pocket. Various pocket/strap sizes and hook and loop strap configurations, along with many material compositions suitable for every occasion with added security provided by the compressible split-end strap that fold back over the double-loop sizing device. Utilizing visco-elastic memory foam-type padding sculpted to mirror the arm's natural contours, the arm pocket wearer can also comfortably and securely carry heavy items.