Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle trim component includes providing a first component layer having a vent aperture formed therethrough. A second component layer is then formed adjacent a surface of the first component layer, wherein gas may flow through the vent aperture of the first component layer during the step of forming the second component layer.

Abstract: A method produces a welded connection between first and second components each having inner and outer sides interconnected by an end face. The first component has a ferritic basic body carrying a plating at the inside and having an end face with a buffer layer of Ni-based alloy. The second component is of austenitic material. The end faces of the components enclose a weld groove. An austenitic root, connecting the plating to the end face of the second component, is welded in the weld groove. An intermediate layer of a nickel alloy having at least 90% nickel is welded onto the root. The intermediate layer is connected to the end faces of the plating and the second component. A weld seam is then produced in the remaining weld groove using a nickel-based welding additive. A method for repairing a welded connection between first and second components is also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus has a power supply coupled to a weld stack. The weld stack has an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a horn by a booster. The horn has a horn tip. The weld cycle of the ultrasonic welding apparatus is amplitude profiled so that during an initial period, the weld amplitude at the horn tip is high and after the initial period, the weld amplitude is low.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device which can cut a wire easily, can obtain a suitable-shaped bump electrode, and can pull out a wire easily from a capillary is obtained. The method includes the step of forming a bump electrode on a pad with the wire which passed to the capillary after the portion has eaten away in a capillary, a step at which a capillary is raised only 30 ?m˜45 ?m, a step which dwindles the wire which makes a capillary move only 35 ?m˜55 ?m to a horizontal direction after raising a capillary, a step which pulls out a wire from the capillary which raises a capillary after dwindling a wire, and the step which cuts a wire by pulling upward on both sides of a wire by a clamper after pulling out a wire from a capillary.

Abstract: A divisible carton that includes a keel or partition structure. The divisible carton includes an aperture or access opening in a wall to which the keel is hingedly connected such that the access opening facilitates erecting or positioning the keel. Further, the modules of the divisible carton are detachably connected to one another such that the access opening can also be used as a grip hand hold for pulling the modules apart. The keel is a double ply structure formed from face contacting panels that are detachably connected to one another along a frangible line or by delaminating or otherwise separable detachable sections. The keel is hingedly connected to an inner wall of the carton, extends inwardly into the carton interior, and may be aligned with a frangible line in an optional outer panel.

Abstract: A packaging box assembly includes a box body and a cover body. The box body has a box base plate connected to four box side plates, and extension plates that have the same with as and that are connected respectively and foldably to the box side plates. The box body defines a small volume space and the cover body surrounds the box side plates when the extension plates are folded over the box side plates. The box body defines a large volume space and the cover body surrounds the extension plates when the extension plates are unfolded. In a preferred embodiment, an auxiliary case is attached to the box base plate of the box body.

Abstract: A carton, having reinforced handle openings which define handles, includes a tubular structure that is formed from multiple walls. An edge flap connects two of the walls. The carton also includes end closures at each open end of the tubular structure. The end closures each include end flaps that have features that define the handles. The end closures also include edge flap reinforcing panels that are hingedly connected to the edge flap and further define the handle. Specifically, a reinforcing edge of the edge flap reinforcing panel is disposed in reinforcing proximity to a handle opening so as to reinforce at least a weight bearing edge of the handle opening to define a handle with a multi-ply thick weight bearing edge.

Abstract: A single-piece packaging plate foldable to form boxes having different sizes is provided for a product having a variable size. The packaging plate has an elongated plate portion, two side plate portions and two wing portions. The elongated plate portion has a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart preformed fold lines. The side plate portions extend outward from two sides of the elongated portion, and have fold lines at the junctures thereof. The two wing portions can be torn or cut out optionally. Each wing portion has a main wing extending from two sides of an area between sixth and seventh fold lines of the elongated plate portion. The packaging plate is foldable along the fold lines to form a unit body-packaging box or a system-packaging box.

Abstract: An accessory box includes a bottom board defining therein a bottom receiving room with a front opening and a rear opening, a first side board integrally formed on a side of the bottom board, and a second side board integrally formed on a side of the bottom board to be opposite to the first side board. The second side board together with the first side board form a top receiving room on top of and communicating with the bottom receiving room. The top receiving room has a front opening and a rear opening both communicating with the top receiving room. A front board is integrally formed with a front side of the bottom board to cover the front openings of the bottom receiving room and the top receiving room. A rear board is integrally formed with a rear side of the bottom board to cover the rear openings of the bottom receiving room and the top receiving room.

Abstract: A packaging box assembly includes a base plate, a middle plate set and a cover plate. The base plate has a central wall, and a plurality of lateral walls extending from the central wall. The lateral walls are foldable along fold lines to define a receiving space with the central wall. The middle plate set is placed within the receiving space and is changeable between a cushioning position in which the middle plate set is parallel to the central wall, and an assembled position in which the middle plate set is perpendicular to the central wall. When the middle plate set is in the cushioning position, the cover plate is placed on top of the base plate. When the middle plate set is in the assembled position, the cover plate is placed on the middle plate set. Thus, various modular configurations are formed to change the size of the box assembly.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an apparatus and method for securely collecting, storing, and disposing of documents by attaching a reusable, secure, lockable closure to a cardboard receptacle box. The lockable closure has a slot in the top to allow documents to be deposited in the box. Two opposing side surfaces of the lockable closure have an interior lip that engages the box flap in such a way as to prevent the unwanted removal of the closure. The closure can be secured to the box with a locking seal such as a cable tie through locking holes located on the top surface and two opposing sides of the lockable closure as well as the box flaps and box sides. A hole allows removal of the lockable closure by exerting pressure on the flap. The disclosed method provides the steps of providing a single lockable closure, a plurality of receptacle boxes, and a number of locking seals capable of fitting through the holes.

Abstract: Methods for making multi-walled containers from a single blank, preferably using a continuous process approach, and the resulting containers are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention include, alone or in combination, intermediate panels formed from flap precursors that are in- or out-folded such that their distal ends are in proximate relationship to each other; outer flaps sized to overlap exposed edges of a container formed from the blank; stress relief features a joint corners to reduce stresses thereat. Methods for making select containers of the invention include folding and adhering the flap precursors to an inner panel, up-folding the inner panel/intermediate panel combination about a mandrel, and continuing to up-fold the outer panel until a container having a “use” position as a resting position is formed.

Abstract: A folded product container provides the benefit of reduced cost of a container formed from a single sheet of material that is folded to produce the container without requiring gluing. The novel configuration of the folded container provides four triangular cross-section column walls at the four corners of the container that reinforce the container for stacking, while still allowing display of products in the container through a top opening and front and rear openings of the stacked containers.

Abstract: A tool belt worn by an operator comprises a processor and a plurality of smart sockets. The smart sockets connect various smart cells that perform various functions. The smart cells have a uniform interface to connect to different locations of smart sockets. The smart cells communicate with the processor or each other over a wireless technology or through a data path embedded in the tool belt. Functionality of the tool belt may be extended with an extender that has antennas, lights, speakers, microphones, and additional smart sockets. A data glove extends the functionality of the tool belt further with a glove, smart socket, and smart cell integrated together and used at the operator's hand.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for configuring an ATM. The ATM receives one or more configuration messages in an XML-based format. The ATM interprets the one or more configuration messages. The ATM alters one or more ATM operations based on at least a portion of the one or more configuration messages.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the authenticity and payment of a bank check at any of a plurality of banks or check cashing sites, wherein a payor or issuing site determines a first set of data including account and individualized payee data, which is communicated to a processing center for temporary storage and eventual comparison. Upon presentation of the check for redemption, the cashing site will establish a second set of data at least including the pre-printed account data and, depending on the embodiment, the individualized payee data that appears on the face of the check when presented. The second set of data is communicated to the processing center where the first and second sets of data are compared. Subsequent to comparison, authenticating data will be communicated to the cashing site, which is indicative of redemption authorization or refusal.

Abstract: Methods and systems permit monitoring behavior of a holder of a multifunction presentation instrument that is suitable for presentation by the holder in support of payment transactions and access transactions. A payment transaction involves a purchase by the holder using funds identified by the multifunction presentation instrument. An access transaction involves an authorization for the holder to enter a restricted area. A first communication received at a host system has transaction details of an attempted payment transaction initiated by the holder, and a second communication received at the host system has transaction details of an attempted access transaction initiated by the holder. These transaction details are stored in a data store and analyzed to identify potentially suspicious behavior by the holder.

Abstract: At a point-of-sale terminal, a rewards program identifier of a customer is associated with a transaction described by detailed transaction data. The detailed transaction data are recorded at a point-of-sale server such that the detailed transaction data is associated with the customer. The detailed transaction data are also communicated from the point-of-sale server to a data processing system of the customer over a network and imported into a financial software application executing on the data processing system of the customer.

Abstract: A unique identifier is given to the customers of a primary merchant. The unique identifier suggests to the customer various secondary merchants within or around the community. Incentives at the secondary merchants can also be offered through use of the unique identifier. Purchases made by the customer at the secondary merchant using the unique identifier are recorded in a database for marketing analysis and possible remuneration to the primary merchant. The unique identifier can be returned to the primary merchant for reuse with a different customer.

Abstract: A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation) or the facility may have the secure number and perform the same function as the dynamic credit card (e.g., encode using time data as a parameter to the encoding equation) and compare the resultant dynamic number to the dynamic number received. Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times.

Abstract: A device for controlling passage in two passage directions has a blocking device (2) for the singling of persons and a card reading unit (4) having a slot (9) for inserting a card, both disposed on a frame (1?). The card reading unit (4), which upon validly reading the card actuates the blocking device (2) for releasing the passage (7), is slewably mounted on the frame (1?) and is slewable with an actuator as to direct the card insertion slot (9) to a person (12) stepping in front of the blocking device (2) from both the one or the other passage direction (A, B).

Abstract: A check-in method for airlines allows passengers to use Short Message Service (SMS) to check-in themselves and baggage. A passenger requests to check-in via SMS from practically anywhere and not limited to the airport. After receipt of the request, a confirmation message is sent back to the passenger's registered mobile phone number by SMS. The system will ask the passenger for, and receive from the passenger, the number of bags they intend to check-in for the flight. The passengers can in some embodiments drop the baggage off without any required further action. The system issues an SMS-based cryptographically secure code, such as a bar-code boarding pass to the passenger once the baggage (if any) is successfully transferred and registered to existing baggage management systems through the process above. This code, when scanned, recognized and authenticated provides identification and security clearance for the passenger to board the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.

Abstract: In some of the embodiments described herein, a vehicle information system may be used to generate route map information, schedule information, estimated time of arrival information, or the like based upon location information received from passenger-carried or cargo-carried wireless devices, such as passengers' cellular phones. In such circumstances, a remote device (e.g., a display device at a vehicle station, a network-connected personal computer, or a cellular phone of a person who might board a mass transit vehicle) may access the route map information, schedule information, and other information related to one or more mass transit vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a component for use with a surgical device are disclosed. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader operably coupled to the device. A controller identifies the component based on the received data and determines whether the component can be used with the surgical device based on criteria, such as whether the received data is an authorized code that matches data stored in memory or whether the received data solves or satisfies an algorithm. The authorized codes are selected from a larger set of available codes. The controller can enable or disable the operation of the device with the component based on whether the criteria is satisfied and can cause the surgical device to be configured for use with the component.

Abstract: A method and form for an integrated voting system includes a single sheet having ballot information, verification information and mailing information thereon. The sheet is folded to form various panels including a first and a second panel having ballot information thereon. Sealing means is provided on one of the first and second panels and located to obscure the ballot information from view when used seal the first and the second panels. A verification panel is attached to the first and said second ballot panels to provide for verification. A first mailing panel is attached to one of the first and the second ballot panel and said verification panel to form an outer mailing envelope such that the ballot panels and verification panel can be mailed to a voting authority for processing. The panels may be of different heights to facilitate processing by a voting authority.

Abstract: A solid-state imager in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia located in a range of working distances includes an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia over a field of view during the reading. The range of working distances in which the indicia are read is varied, either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A diode-laser bar package includes two diode-laser bars mounted on a heat sink with slow-axes of the diode-laser bars aligned. Three spaced apart mounting bosses extend from the front of the heat sink. The package includes two cylindrical lens assemblies. Each lens assembly has an elongated cylindrical lens bonded to a rectangular mounting block. The cylindrical lenses are aligned with the diode-laser bars. Lateral faces of the mounting block are epoxy-bonded to lateral faces of the mounting bosses. Bonding is effected by injecting liquid epoxy between the faces to be bonded though holes extending through the mounting blocks from front to the lateral faces of the mounting blocks. The liquid epoxy is then cured to complete the attachment.

Abstract: Transactional cards such as credit and debit cards include sensory features including sounds, sights, and/or smells to increase the interest in the transactional card. A transactional card may include circuitry for producing sounds such as sound effects, songs, and catch phrases. A transactional card may include circuitry for producing light, such as illuminating the account numbers and/or producing graphical displays on the card. A transactional card may include coatings or integrated materials that provide scents or that change color when heat is applied. A transactional card may include additional sensory features such as a lenticular array with underlying image.

Abstract: An identification token includes a body and an RFID IC embedded in the body. An antenna is also embedded in the body and is coupled to the RFID IC. A switch is embedded in the body and coupled to at least one of the RFID IC and the antenna. The switch is located at a switch location in the body. The switch is actuatable by being pressed by a user's finger. The identification token also includes a printed indication on the body for indicating the switch location to the user of the identification token.

Abstract: A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation) or the facility may have the secure number and perform the same function as the dynamic credit card (e.g., encode using time data as a parameter to the encoding equation) and compare the resultant dynamic number to the dynamic number received. Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times.

Abstract: A method of printing modules for a two dimensional barcode that includes printing a pixel at a plurality of the pixel locations included in the inner portion of the darkened module, and printing a pixel at less than all of the pixel locations of the outer boundary of the darkened module. Various embodiments are contemplated, such as, without limitation, methods that print darkened modules having four light corners, three light corners, two light corners, one light corner, and/or one light edge. Also, a method of printing a two dimensional barcode having a finder pattern wherein the inner edge of the finder pattern is light, meaning that is does not include any printed pixels at the pixel locations along the inner edge.

Abstract: A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation) or the facility may have the secure number and perform the same function as the dynamic credit card (e.g., encode using time data as a parameter to the encoding equation) and compare the resultant dynamic number to the dynamic number received. Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that receives one or more inputs from at least one heating system of a climate control system, and initiates an appropriate action in response to the input. The thermostat can turn off a heat pump providing substandard heat and responsively turn on a fuel-fired auxiliary furnace. The thermostat may discontinue further operation of the auxiliary furnace upon receiving an operating error signal associated with the auxiliary furnace, and responsively turn on the heat pump to provide for continued heating. The thermostat may also discontinue operation of the fuel-fired furnace and turn on a circulating fan in response to an input signal indicating a furnace high-temperature or a carbon monoxide presence.

Abstract: This system, consisting of a data-logging device and a computer software program, calculates the energy used to heat or cool a leased unit within a multi-unit building, where the building employs a centralized heating or cooling source with a centralized utility meter. This system enables the building manager to track and charge occupants for the cost of heating, cooling or other energy usage. It does this by recording the amount of time that each zone calls for heating, cooling, is turned on, etc. This system allows the administrator to download data into a database where a mathematical calculation quantifies each units energy usage. This enables the property manager to shift the cost of utility to the lessee. This could also decrease the operating expense of an investment property, which would increase the operating income, which in turn would increase the value of the building.

Abstract: A single pair of polarity independent wires conveys electrical power and two-way communication between a remote thermostat and a temperature-conditioning unit. The system is functional even if the wires are crossed, so mis-wiring is nearly impossible. The system is selectively operable in three independently distinct modes: a power mode for conveying electrical power from the temperature-conditioning unit to the thermostat, an output mode for transmitting a communication signal from the temperature-conditioning unit to the thermostat, and a feedback mode for conveying a communication signal from the thermostat to the temperature-conditioning unit. When the power mode is inactive during the output mode and feedback mode, the thermostat relies on electrical power that the thermostat stored during a previous power mode. Communication is provided by a current loop circuit that is generally immune to electrical noise and tolerant of wire impedance.

Abstract: An external air assisted building forced air heating system equipped with or without air conditioning that uses ducted external air to cool or heat a building instead of using other energy resources (like electricity and gas) when the temperature of the external air is less than the desired cooling temperature or greater than the desired heating temperature. If the heating system is not equipped with air conditioning, the building is only cooled when the outside air temperature is less than the desired inside temperature. A controller (normally referred to as a Programmable Thermostat) monitors the indoor and outdoor air temperature in order to control the building's heating and air conditioning system and the external air duct system.

Abstract: A bearing structure for railroad track rails on a track bed, comprising several load distribution plates in a rigid material disposed side to side on the track bed, with each load distribution plate having a surface area and thickness predetermined in such a way that its first resonance frequency is greater than the first resonance frequency of the vibrations locally generated in the rails by the passage of the wheels of a vehicle on the rails. The different load distribution plates may advantageously be interconnected by joints allowing the pivoting of each load distribution plate with relation to adjacent load distribution plates. The load distribution plates may be placed on the ground of the track bed or on the foundation of a tunnel and they may also be integrated in the coating of a railroad way.

Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).

Abstract: A water pump with a housing that has a pump housing part provided with an intake opening and an outlet opening and a motor housing part. An impeller with a shaft is rotatably arranged in the pump housing part. An electric motor is received in the motor housing part. The electric motor is an electronically commutated motor with a rotor and coils. In the housing, control and governing electronics for the electric motor are arranged that have a speed detection, a processor, and a data storage device. The electronics are arranged in the motor housing part and potted therein in a water-tight way. An integrated BUS control module is provided. The control electronics and the governing electronics can be arranged separate from one another on different circuit boards.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that contain fragrance compounds and fragrance fixatives selected from C4-C8 alkyl terephthalates. Scented compositions and scented articles containing such compositions are also provided. Also disclosed are methods for imparting a fragrance to a location and methods for formulating the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The handle of a hand shower accommodates a remote control which is triggered by once-only pressure on a key or another deformable element. The remote control contains a piezoelectric radio switch which is accommodated as a closed-off component in the handle. This switch acts on a receiver which is mounted on a wall connection bend and which is connected to a valve in the wall connection bend. The valve can be switched on and switched off with the aid of the remote control in the handle of the hand shower. In the switched-off state, the shower hose is not under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound liquid atomization and/or separation system comprising an ultrasound atomizer and a liquid storage area in communication with said ultrasound atomizer. The system may further comprise an injector containing an injector body housing the ultrasound atomizer and a channel or plurality of channels running through said injector body and delivering liquids to said ultrasound atomizer. The ultrasound atomizer comprises an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound tip at the distal end of said transducer, a liquid delivery orifice or plurality liquid delivery orifices, and a radiation surface at the distal end of said tip. The atomizer may further comprise a liquid delivery collar comprising a liquid receiving orifice or a plurality of liquid receiving orifices and a liquid delivery orifice or plurality of liquid delivery orifices. The liquid delivery collar may further comprise a central orifice into which said ultrasound tip may be inserted.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a self-flushing mechanism to prevent accumulation of debris in a sprinkler control member and/or the interior of the turret. The sprinkler includes a main flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a secondary flow path that delivers water to flush part of the member and/or interior of the turret. The secondary flow path delivers water when the sprinkler cycles on and when the sprinkler cycles off. For example, with a pop-up sprinkler, the secondary flow path would deliver fluid sometime during its movement to the elevated position and movement to the retracted position.

Abstract: A water distribution plate and diffuser plate assembly for distributing a stream emitted from a sprinkler nozzle includes: a nonrotatable shaft having one end attached to a sprinkler component and an opposite end supporting first and second plates in axially spaced relationship for rotation about the shaft independent of one another. The first plate is axially adjacent the nozzle and formed with plural water distribution grooves shaped and arranged to divide a single primary stream emitted from the nozzle into a plurality of secondary streams. The second plate is downstream of the first plate and formed with plural diffuser elements arranged to be struck by at least some of the secondary streams exiting the first plate. The speed of rotation of one or both plates is slowed by viscous damping.

Abstract: A water distribution plate and diffuser plate assembly for distributing a stream emitted from a sprinkler nozzle comprising: a shaft having one end attached to a sprinkler component and an opposite end supporting first and second plates in axially spaced relationship for rotation about the shaft independent of one another; the first plate located adjacent the nozzle and formed with at least one water distribution groove shaped and arranged to divide a primary stream emitted from the nozzle into a plurality of secondary streams, and the second plate located downstream of the first plate and formed with at least one diffuser element arranged to be struck by at least some of the secondary streams exiting the first plate, and wherein speed of rotation of the first and second plates is braked.

Abstract: An improved seal for use in fluid systems such as a water jet system includes an outer seal point that is very close to an inner seal point. By spacing these two seal points very close together, the force on the seal is greatly reduced compared to the prior art. In the disclosed embodiment, the outer seal point is on an angled forward face of the seal that abuts a back-up ring angled face. The inner seal point is between the seal and an internal shaft which rotates relative to a housing.

Abstract: A watering system that has first and second upright supports, a plurality of bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels and a first spray head is disclosed. Each of the first and second upright supports have substantially laterally oriented brackets dimensioned to releasably hold objects having a first outer diameter, including the bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels. The substantially rigid water channels each have a central body and left and right hose barbs in fluid relationship to one another through the central body. The central body has an aperture dimensioned to receive and mechanically engage the insertion end of the first spray head. The first spray head has a spray jet with a first water flow rate. The system may further include second and third spray heads with second and third water flow rates each different from each other and the first water flow rate.

Abstract: A spraying device includes a gas can and a sprayer/joint combination. The gas can is formed with a collar defining a cutout. The sprayer/joint combination includes a frame, two shoes, an expanding element and a sprayer. The frame defines two slots and includes a block formed thereon and disposed in the cutout. The shoes are pivotally connected to the frame, and each of them includes a head and a tail. The expanding element includes a cam with two lobes. The expanding element can be pivoted between a locking position where the lobes push the heads of the shoes against the collar of the gas can and an unlocking position where the lobes contact the tails of the shoes. The sprayer includes a nozzle, a knob and a connective unit. The connective unit of the sprayer is connected to the expanding element through the frame.

Abstract: A hose-end sprayer assembly connectable to at least one container of product to be dispensed has an elongated housing for a venturi tube assembly rotatable about its central axis and devised to selectively open and close a product inlet opening as well as its associated vent valve, an independently controllable liquid carrier valve being provided for opening and closing the carrier liquid flow through the venturi tube duct in the venturi tube assembly can be devised for opening and closing inlet product inlet openings of separately stored chemical products sequentially or simultaneously.