Abstract: A tamper-indicating package includes a container having a neck finish with at least one external thread segment, at least two angularly spaced sets of external ratchet teeth spaced from the thread segment and a circumferentially extending radial enlargement between the two sets of ratchet teeth. A closure includes a skirt with at least one internal thread segment engaging the external thread segment on the container neck finish, a tamper band frangibly connected to the skirt, and a circumferential array of internal engagement elements on the tamper band for engaging the ratchet teeth on the neck finish to prevent rotation of the tamper band with respect to the ratchet teeth and thereby sever the tamper band from the closure skirt upon first unthreading of the closure from the container neck finish.

Abstract: A bottle-opener for a closure for a bottle neck includes a hood 30 equipped with a first hook 38 comprising a contact surface with a lower surface of the closure, and a transmission lever hinged 32 on the hood and provided with a grip section 52 and a working portion 54 suitable for coming to bear against an upper surface of the closure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a cap (20) of a closure device (9) with an open end (6, 7) of a housing container (5) for forming a container system (1) for body fluids, tissue parts or tissue cultures, whereby a relative rotating or pivoting movement is effected between the cap (20) and the housing container (5) about a common longitudinal axis (14). In order to generate the relative movement, a pressing force (F) is applied to at least one of the components to be assembled directed more or less in the direction of the longitudinal axis (14). The invention further relates to a cap (20) for forming the closure device (9), a housing container (5) and a container system (1) obtained as a result, comprising at least the cap (20), a sealing device (21) device retained in it and the housing container (5).

Abstract: A plastic container is disclosed comprising a base portion for supporting the container on a surface, an upper portion, and a body portion. The upper portion includes a neck and a dispensing opening. The body portion extends between the base portion and the neck, the body portion including a shoulder portion below the neck portion and a sidewall portion between the shoulder portion and the base portion. The body portion includes at least one elongated vertical formation that substantially extends along the sidewall portion from the base portion toward the shoulder portion, the elongated vertical portion being continuous along at least 0.60 the total height of the container.

Abstract: A bottle assembly includes a bottle that has a liquid container, a neck portion that extends from the liquid container and a mouth that is adapted to dispense liquid, and a cup assembly having a cylinder that has an open top end, a closed bottom end and a cylindrical wall, and a cap that is integrally provided at the closed bottom end. The cap has an engaging portion that is adapted to engage with the mouth of the bottle. The cylindrical wall of the cup assembly is tapered. The bottom end is substantially thicker than the cylindrical wall. The bottom end has a hollow portion that surrounds the cap. The engaging portion has a female threaded portion that is adapted to engage with a male threaded portion of the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A device for attachment to ordinary containers such as bottles, cans and glasses to enable an infant or toddler to drink from the container by using a straw. The device includes a flexible bag-like adapter having a stretchable elastic band on a first end for removable sealed attachment to an open end of the container, and a reduced diameter neck on a second end. A straw extends through and is fixed and sealed to the neck, and extends through the adapter and projects from the adapter at its opposite ends. Tabs on the first end of the adapter facilitate stretching of the band, which has enough strength to resist removal of the device by infants and toddlers, but is relatively easy to apply and remove by an adult. The length of the straw may be adjustable, and the straw may include a flexible bendable joint.

Abstract: An etchant for and method of removing a glass coating on a metallic wire is provided. The etchant comprises an acid solution having metal ions contained therein. The metal ions prevent the acid solution from pitting or damaging the metallic wire, while allowing the acid solution to effectively etch and remove the glass coating. In one embodiment, a fluorine-based acid solution can be used. In another embodiment, a glass coated, metal alloy microwire is etched and the metal ions added to the etchant are chosen to be the same as the majority constituent element in the metal alloy. The glass coating can be either removed in full or only partially removed.

Abstract: A method for forming miniature wires by printing or dispensing a solution on a substrate, the solution comprising a solute being capable of being etched and forming an inner and outer region on the substrate, each region having a thickness. After an etching process is applied on the substrate, the region inner region is removed so the outer region remains as desired wires. A line width of thus formed wires is narrowed to reach micron-scale wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a slotted guide, in which: a) a layer of material having a refractive index less than that of silicon is formed on a first silicon layer which itself rests on a silica SiO2 layer, then: b) a second silicon layer is formed on the layer of material having a refractive index less than that of silicon, this second layer forming a stack with the layer of material having a refractive index less than that of silicon and the first silicon layer, the layer of material having a refractive index less than that of silicon being contained between said two silicon layers; c) this stack is etched, the silica layer SiO2 forming the barrier layer for this etching.

Abstract: An optical fiber and methods of processing and manufacturing an optical fiber comprising a core, a cladding and a coating covering a segment of the cladding proximate to an end of the optical fiber are presented where patterned apertures are provided in the coating such that a portion of light propagating in the cladding escapes through the patterned apertures of the coating. The patterned apertures allow non-confined light to escape from the cladding in the coating region to provide reduced absorption of the non-confined light by the coating.

Abstract: Method for producing a probe for atomic force microscopy with a silicon nitride cantilever and an integrated single crystal silicon tetrahedral tip with high resonant frequencies and low spring constants intended for high speed AFM imaging.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dot pattern includes the steps of preparing a structured material composed of a plurality of columnar members containing a first component and a region containing a second component different from the first component surrounding the columnar members, with the structured material being formed by depositing the first component and the second component on a substrate, and removing the columnar members from the structured material to form a porous material having a columnar hole. In addition, a material is introduced into the columnar hole portions of the porous material to form a dot pattern, and the porous material is removed.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a gas supply mechanism supplying gas containing a halogen element and basic gas into a process chamber; and a first temperature adjusting member and a second temperature adjusting member adjusting a temperature of the substrate in the process chamber, wherein the second temperature adjusting member adjusts the temperature of the substrate to a higher temperature than the first temperature adjusting member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for using a semi-permeable membrane to deliver a reagent to a surface in a topographically selective manner are provided. The methods and apparatuses are particularly useful for removing sulfur-containing electrocatalysts from copper surfaces using a semi-permeable membrane to deliver an oxidizing agent to a catalyst-coated surface.

Abstract: A wire retrieving device for a cutting machine includes a block connected with an air source and a blowing path is defined through the block. A suction path is defined in a side of the block and has an oblique port formed in a surface of the block through which the discarded wire is sucked into the suction path which further has an engaging port communicating with the blowing path. A pushing member removably pushes the metal wire toward the block by an electromagnetic valve when the metal wire needs to be cut by an electrode unit. A pair of driving rollers located a down stream of the electrode unit and pulls the metal wire toward the upper mold. The discarded wire is blowing out from the blowing path and is collected in a collection tank via a tube.

Abstract: A method of machining a pattern at a plurality of locations in a workpiece includes positioning a shaped electrode including the pattern at the plurality of locations in a sequence. In some embodiments, the sequence is random. The method further includes forming the pattern at each of the plurality of locations by passing electrical charges repeatedly between the shaped electrode and the workpiece and advancing the shaped electrode into the workpiece for a fraction of a full depth of the pattern. The method further includes repeating the positioning and forming steps a plurality of times until the full depth of the pattern has been formed at each of the plurality of locations.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for arc welding with a consumable electrode and with high deposition rates, wherein an alternating current is applied between the electrode and a work piece in order to generate the arc, wherein the alternating current has a current waveform that repeats itself after one period, and wherein the current waveform has at least one positive phase that is divided into at least one positive high-current phase and into at least one positive basic current phase and at least one negative phase within one period. According to the invention, the positive basic current phase is applied within the period after the positive high-current phase and a diffuse arc burns in the negative phase. In this case, it needs to be observed that the positive basic current phase is sufficiently long.

Abstract: A welding-type device and gas system for use therewith is disclosed. The welding-type device includes a power supply constructed to generate a welding-type power, a housing enclosing the power source, and a cylinder holder attached to an external surface of the housing. The device further includes a pressure vessel removably secured within the cylinder holder, the pressure vessel constructed to provide a shielding gas to a weld and having a height that is generally less than a height of the housing.

Abstract: A focal point controlling section is configured and arranged to control a focal point of the laser beam outputted from a laser oscillator to selectively focus the laser beam on a surface of a workpiece. A laser irradiation position moving section is configured to move a laser irradiation position at which the laser beam strikes on the surface of the workpiece. A control unit is configured to change a heat amount imparted on the surface of the workpiece to switch between a welding state and a non-welding state by controlling at least one of the focal point controlling section and the laser irradiation position moving section while controlling the laser oscillator to continuously output the laser beam before and after switching between the welding state and the non-welding state.

Abstract: A linear model based generalized predictive control system controls the molten pool temperature during a Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) process. The molten pool temperature is monitored by a two-color pyrometer. A single-input single-output linear system that describes the dynamics between the molten pool temperature and the laser power is identified and validated. The incremental generalized predictive control algorithm with Kalman filter estimation is used to control the molten pool temperature.

Abstract: A machining apparatus in which the machining efficiency can be improved even if characters are machined in a printed circuit board. A coordinate transformation unit is provided for transforming central coordinates of each dot d of each character of a character string into coordinates in a machining coordinate system with which the holes will be machined. Prior to machining, based on a character string and position information of the character string described in a machining program, central coordinates of each dot of each character of the character string are transformed into coordinates in the machining coordinate system with which the holes will be machined. Each dot d is regarded as a hole and machined. The number of times of movement of a table can be thus minimized so that the machining efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station wherein a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed, the apparatus comprising, at least first and second lasers positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station, with each of the first and second lasers marking alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station.

Abstract: Methods are provided of forming a plurality of fan-shaped effusion holes on a combustor having a surface, each hole having an outlet on the combustor surface. The method may include rotating the combustor relative to a laser beam, and positioning the combustor to a first position where the laser beam is at a first predetermined angle relative to the combustor surface. The laser beam is pulsed at the combustor surface to form a first plurality of trepan cuts. The first predetermined angle is adjusted to a second position where the laser beam is at a second predetermined angle relative to the combustor surface. The laser beam is pulsed at each trepan cut of the first plurality of trepan cuts, to thereby form a cut for at least a portion of the fan shape of each effusion hole outlet, wherein each cut overlaps a trepan cut of the first plurality of trepan cuts.

Abstract: A laser processing system has a platform to support a work piece to be processed, a laser to operate on the work piece, a laser control system to control operation of the laser, and a system control to provide instructions to the laser control system based upon at least the work piece to be processed.

Abstract: A predictive pulse triggering (PPT) method enables precise triggering of a laser beam in a link-processing system. The PPT method entails triggering the laser beam based on estimated relative motion parameters of the target and laser beam axis. The PPT method allows for a six-fold improvement in laser positioning accuracy over the conventional, entirely measurement-based method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser treatment apparatus including a laser oscillator, an interlock provided in the laser oscillator, a movable table which moves with a certain movement period, a timer, an interlock provided in the timer, a sensor which can detect movement of the movable table, and a computer, in which the timer starts measuring time when the sensor senses passage of the movable table, and when the movable table does not pass the sensor even after the movement period, conduction between contacts of the interlock provided in the timer is blocked to operate the interlock in the laser oscillator, thereby stopping laser output. The invention also relates to a laser treatment method using the laser treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus capable of accurately projecting mask patterns onto a work piece and superior in machining accuracy. An auto-focusing unit is provided. The auto-focusing unit includes a television camera for observing alignment marks formed on the surface of the work piece so as to be able to measure the focal length of a projection lens. A main-scanning direction expansion/contraction ratio Ex of the work piece to its design value and a sub-scanning direction expansion/contraction ratio Ey of the work piece to its design value are obtained. The imaging magnification M of the projection lens is corrected to compensate the expansion/contraction ratio Ex. The moving speed of a mask and/or the moving speed of the work piece are corrected in consideration of the imaging magnification M of the projection lens so as to compensate the expansion/contraction ratio Ey.

Abstract: A squeezing detection control method is provided for consumable electrode arc welding. The method includes a step of detecting a droplet squeezing phenomenon by checking that a change in a voltage or resistance between the consumable electrode and base material reaches a squeezing detection reference value, and a step of executing output control for rapidly decreasing a welding current passing through a short-circuited load when the squeezing phenomenon is detected, so that arc re-striking occurs in a state of low current. The squeezing detection reference value is set to a first value during the electrode positive polarity, and set to a second value during the electrode negative polarity. The second value is different from the absolute value of the first value, and each of the first and the second values is set such that the resultant welding state is satisfactory. (FIG .

Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: Cost efficient, lightweight and rapid windshield deicing systems and methods are disclosed. The systems utilize step-up converters or inverters, or dual-voltage batteries, to provide a voltage high enough to deice a windshield in less than thirty seconds.

Abstract: A slide out heater module for use with a voltage electrical equipment for reducing internal moisture and including an elongated bracket upon which is supported a strip heater in slidably displaceable fashion. The module includes a stationary component secured inside the electrical equipment, with a moveable component being slidably displaced between installed and removed positions. A convective heating strip is supported upon the moveable component. In this fashion, the module can be withdrawn and the heating replaced during normal maintenance without interrupting the power within the enclosure.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a textile based heating element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A textile based heating element comprises one or more conductive wires stitched into a fabric carrier. Various conductive wire configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the textile based heating element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to heating systems. In various embodiments, a tray may be supported adjacent a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat to food items within each of the heating compartments. In other embodiments, a vessel may be configured to be disposed in a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments. In further embodiments, a housing may have a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments, and the heating compartment may have open ends arranged around a circumference of the housing.

Abstract: An electrical heating apparatus having an emitting surface, in particular in the form of a panel. It comprises a heating device having a vessel receiving a small volume of low-boiling-temperature phase-transition liquid, and an electrical heating body for the liquid in the vessel, a closed casing forming the emitting surface, surmounting the vessel and in communication with the latter to form a pressure-resistant hermetic enclosure for the liquid vapour and the condensate.

Abstract: An electric grill includes at least one grill pan having a first heating member, a second heating member, and a temperature sensing member for measuring the temperature of the grill pan; and the first heating member, the second heating member and the temperature sensing member connect with a control circuit. The temperature sensing member provides a temperature signal for the control circuit, and the control circuit controls the power on/off of the first heating member and the second heating member.

Abstract: The invention relates to conductive materials particularly to serve as a heater. Heating means formed by or with electrically conductive materials are known and particularly effective for its flexibility is that sold under the British, Community and US Registered Trade Mark INDITHERM. Conductive rails are used to provide electrical connection to a source of power that need to have a commensurate flexibility, and the object of the invention is to ensure the maintenance of power to the full length of the conductive rail. This objective, is met by a construction comprising spaced first rails for the supply and return of electrical power, the said rails having a flexibility compatible with the semi-conductive material, and there being a supplementary rail attached to each first rail along the length thereof, the supplementary rails being flexible and having strength characteristics greater than those of the first rails.

Abstract: In a ceramic heater according to the invention, a heating section has a meandering shape to include a pair of first straight segments, a plurality of second straight segments, and a plurality of curved segments. Each of the first straight segments extends in the longitudinal direction of a ceramic sheet and has a center line. The second straight segments are interposed between the first straight segments in the lateral direction of the ceramic sheet. Each of the second straight segments extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ceramic sheet. Each of the curved segments connects ends of an adjacent pair of the first and second straight segments and has a center line. The sum of curvature diameters of the center lines of the curved segments is greater than a distance between the center lines of the first straight segments in the lateral direction of the ceramic sheet.

Abstract: A heat exchanging apparatus includes a heat generating tube of spiral form through which pure water flows, a short-circuit member for electrically short-circuiting ends of the heat generating tube, and a heating coil arranged to envelope the heat generating tube and the short-circuit member, for generating an electromagnetic induction power to heat the heat generating tube. The short-circuit member generates a short-circuit current according to the electromagnetic power and temperature-adjusts the heat generating tube. The heat generating tube adjusts the temperature of the pure water so that the temperature of the pure water flowing through the tube becomes a target temperature according to the temperature adjustment effect of the short-circuit current. In the apparatus, the flow-in port of the heat generating tube is grounded to earth to discharge electrification charges of a residual particle component related to the pure water, and fine the residual particle component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.

Abstract: An induction heating and control system and method have enhanced reliability and advanced performance features for use with induction cooking devices, such as induction heating ranges. Enhanced performance is facilitated via the use of an induction heating system which integrates voltage management, power management, thermal management, digital control sensing and regulation systems, and protection systems management.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat generator comprising a magneto-caloric material and a method for generating efficient and reliable thermies enabling of substantially limiting displaceable inert masses in order to produce a magnetic field variation required for obtaining a magneto caloric effect and usable by individuals and/or industries. The inventive generator (10) comprises magneto caloric thermal elements (Ti) which are circularly arranged and crossed by conduits containing coolant flowing therethrough and magnetic elements (Gi) exposing the thermal elements (Ti) to a magnetic field action. The generator (10) also comprises magnetic divergence (mj) elements arranged between the thermal elements (Ti) and the magnetic elements (Gi) and coupled to displacement mechanism (not represented) for moving from one thermal element (Ti) to another thermal element (Ti+1) and initiating the magnetic flux variation in the thermal elements (Ti), thereby promoting the calorie and/or frigorie generation.

Abstract: A cooking oven, particularly a microwave oven, comprises means for detecting food data and for adjusting food heating and/or cooking process accordingly. The oven further comprises an user interface with at least one socket-shaped seat adapted to receive a removable plug-shaped button which stores said food data and which is adapted to be pressed by the user for starting said heating and/or cooking process or for programming such heating or cooking.

Abstract: An observation window for a microwave device exhibiting microwave radiation of a predetermined frequency, the observation window comprising two optically transparent conductive films, each of the transparent conductive films primarily reflecting incident microwave radiation and being substantially parallel and spatially separated from each other by a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance being equal to an odd integer multiple of one quarter of the wavelength of the microwave radiation of the predetermined frequency in the interstice between the transparent films, the predetermined distance having a tolerance of plus or minus 0.15 of the wavelength in the interstice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid ring (20?) for production of a tear-off lid, whereby a hot-sealing coating (62) is only applied to the edge (68) of the dispensing opening (25). A material saving is thus possible relative to conventional full-surface application. A coating different from the hot-sealing coating can form the lid ring surface outside the hot-sealing coating.

Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing container assemblies for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container assembly comprises a container of blast resistant material and a blast mitigating material located within the container. The container is collapsible for storage when empty. The container assemblies have utility in aircraft, where weight is an important consideration, as cargo holders or containment devices in the passenger cabin. They also are useful as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.

Abstract: The disclosed floating-roof storage tank has an articulated floor with an annular outer portion, an intermediate transition portion, and a raised inner portion. Pipe elements or equipment that may hang from an outer, annular section on the roof or extend from the tank wall fit around the outside of the transition portion. Liquid-tight seams connect the transition portion of the floor to the outer portion and to the raised inner portion of the floor, sealing off an inventory-reduction compartment beneath the raised portion of the floor. The inventory-reduction compartment is supported by a solid or liquid fill or by a metal support structure. The raised inner portion of the floor may support the floating roof in a low position, and may support columns or the like that are used to support a fixed roof above the floating roof.

Abstract: An article of cookware for use in an oven, wherein the artiste of cookware comprises a base having an upper surface, wherein at least a first region of the upper surface incorporates a plurality of upward protrusions, and wherein the uppermost regions of said protrusions are substantially coplanar for supporting a food product for cooking. Preferably the upper surface between said protrusions is inclined relative to the uppermost regions of said protrusions. A gutter may be provided around at least part of said first region, arranged such that liquid released from a foodstuff during cooking flows into the gutter. The invention further provides a method of cooking using an oven and such an article of cookware.

Abstract: A flexible bowl having a base, circumferential wall, and a contoured rim forming an open end and interior surface of the bowl. The bowl is constructed out of silicone or another like material. The circumferential walls are flexible to allow opposing sides to be bent towards each other forming a spout-like channel to allow food to be efficiently removed. The contours on the rim cause the spout to have an oblong end making it more effective in removing food. The base is thick to provide stability. The thickness of the base relative to the weight and dimensions of the wall allows the bowl to be as stable as a traditional bowl. The circumferential wall has a lower, middle, and upper region. The lower region and the rim may be thicker than the middle and upper regions. The bowl is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-proof.

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly comprises a base and an insulated container defining a cooler. The container includes an inflatable wall and a valve for inflating of the wall. The insulated container is removably coupled to the base, and the base defines a container receiving recess within which a bottom portion of the insulated container is received. When the portable cooler assembly is in a first configuration, the inflatable wall is inflated and extends outwardly from the container receiving space. When the portable cooler assembly is in a second configuration, the inflatable wall is deflated and is completely received within the container receiving space in a collapsed condition.