Abstract: A method and system of etching a metal nitride, such as titanium nitride, is described. The etching process comprises introducing a process composition having a halogen containing gas, such as Cl2, HBr, or BCl3, and a fluorocarbon gas having the chemical formula CxHyFz, where x and z are equal to unity or greater and y is equal to 0 or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding two rails (8, 10, 14) of a track using a welding unit (1) of a welding machine (20). According to the method, two rails (8,10,14) each caught by a pair of clamping jaws (6) of the welding unit (1) are moved and welded together while subjecting them to crusher cylinders (3) in the longitudinal direction of the rails. A rail anchor (16) is produced in a so-called terminal-welding step in a working direction (11) upstream of the machine (20) by linking a section of the rail (14) with ties (15) in a non-positive manner. If the actual rail temperature differs from the local neutral temperature, tensions are passed into the rails to be welded together.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for an electric discharge machine configured to perform melt-removal on a workpiece by supplying pulse-like power to a machining gap between an electrode (1) and a workpiece (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner design and can be used for thermal treatment of a surface of materials. The burner comprises a tubular electrode, a nozzle, a removable rod-shaped electrode which are arranged to form a discharge chamber, a means for vapour generation in the form of a reservoir provided with a flange and filled with a liquid-absorbing material, a means for electric arc vortex stabilization, a means for cooling the nozzle and the electrode, and current leads.

Abstract: A processing machine for workpiece processing includes a cutting head that produces a cutting beam directed toward a workpiece, and a beam-catching device for receiving a discharge of the cutting beam from an underside of the workpiece during processing of the workpiece. The beam-catching device includes a housing defining an opening that opens toward the cutting beam and a beam-catching space adjacent the opening, the cutting beam discharging from the underside of the workpiece during the processing of the workpiece and entering the beam-catching space of the housing through the opening. The beam-catching device also includes at least one nozzle on at least one wall section of the housing, the nozzle feeding a fluid jet as a free jet to the beam-catching space in such a way that the at least one fluid jet crosses the cutting beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for laser cutting material plates (13a,b), especially metal sheets. According to said method, the material plates (13a,b) that are to be cut are first placed in a substantially vertical cutting position (SP1, SP2) and are then cut from one side by means of a laser cutting device (14, 15, 16). In order to drastically reduce the machine downtime, the material plates (13a,b) are placed in two or more different cutting position s (SP1, SP2) that can be reached by the same laser cutting device (14, 15, 16) while the material plates located in the different cutting positions (SP1, SP2) are cut one after another.

Abstract: In laser micromachining and laser defect repair of a first material, a first set of one or more laser wavelengths is selected in accordance with the first material's absorption characteristics and is combined and delivered concurrently with a second set of one or more laser wavelengths which is selected in accordance with the absorption characteristics of a second material generated by and remaining from the ablating interaction of the first material with the first set of laser wavelengths. The concurrent presence of the second set of one or more laser wavelengths removes the residual second material.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding system capable of freely controlling the dispersion and concentration of arc heat over the groove face with an extremely narrow gap and a high strength and high quality welded joint structure which is formed by this welding system and which is capable of preventing softening/hardening of the structure, the lowering of the toughness thereof and the generation of a crack. According to the welding system, the melting rate of a welding wire is controlled relative to the welding wire feeding rate by changing the characteristic of an arc current so that the range of behavior and the transfer rate of the arc pole (the arc generating main point at a groove surface) are controlled. Further, the welded joint structure consists of a high strength steel having a superfine grain structure with a carbon equivalent of as low as less than 0.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an exhaust gas manifold, that includes metal exhaust pipes and metal flanges for attaching the pipe openings to corresponding internal combustion engine exhaust ports, employs a hybrid MIG welding process to reduce the occurrences of weld spatter being deposited on the pipe surfaces. Additional benefits are a reduction in applied energy, a resultant reduction in heat being applied to the work pieces, less consumption of weld wire, and improved efficiency of making the weld on the inside surface of the flange adjacent to the pipe opening. The hybrid MIG technique involves moving the head of the weld gun so that its weld wire tip is in contact with the closed path joint formed between an aperture in the flange and the pipe opening. Electrical energy is then applied between the weld wire and the work pieces (flange and pipe) for a relatively short period of time that is sufficient to cause the tip of the weld wire to become a molten drop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arc joining, in particular for arc welding, such that an arc burns between a workpiece and a fusible electrode at a processing site such that an alternating current with at least one positive alternating current phase and at least one negative alternating current phase is applied between the electrode and the workpiece such that the positive alternating current phase is divided into at least one positive pulsed current phase and at least one positive basic current phase and such that the arc is influenced at least temporarily by at least one external magnetic field. According to this invention, the arc is deflected at least temporarily out of the center of the processing site by one or more external magnetic fields during the positive pulsed current phase such that the arc is deflected into a first direction during a positive pulsed current phase and into a second direction which differs from the first direction during the next positive pulsed current phase.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel metal compositions predominantly composed of copper, nickel or nickel-cobalt, and tin for use in Mig welding and other application methods to form electrically conductive, oxidation resistant, and wear resistant welding contact surfaces.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.

Abstract: A heat block for holding an electronic device is disclosed. The heat block comprises a base and at least one discharge device. The discharge device is disposed on the base. The discharge device is electrically conductive and is grounded. When the electronic device is placed on the base, the discharge device is in contact with an electrical contact of the electronic device.

Abstract: A tortilla oven comprises a housing which encloses upper, center, and lower conveyors. The lengths of the conveyors are individually monitored and adjusted. The interior of the housing is heated by a plurality of the individually regulated burners that extend through the conveyors. Ambient air is directed upwardly along the sides of the housing for temperature control.

Abstract: A conveyorized oven that provides uniform cooking with control of the heater and/or the conveyor belt speed. The oven includes a controller that monitors power consumption of the heater and uses the power consumption to control the heater and/or the speed of the motor that drives the conveyor belt. The power consumption is monitored by counting the on time cycles of a switch that connects and disconnects the heater to a power main. Changes in the power consumption due to changes in loading are used by the controller to reduce recovery times of the oven temperature to a set temperature by controlling the heater and/or the motor. By using a stepper motor, there is no need for a gear box.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning a wafer on a bake plate in a processing module that includes lowering a bake plate cover assembly over the wafer during a baking process, raising the bake plate cover assembly after the baking process, removing the wafer, determining whether the bake plate cover assembly requires cleaning, then either processing another wafer if the cover assembly does not need cleaning or establishing a cleaning process for the bake plate cover assembly if the cover does need cleaning. Automated sensing of the state of the cover assembly may be employed, and cleaning process may be automatically performed in response to the cleaning need determination.

Abstract: A susceptor [1] is manufactured by providing a protruding part [8] on the joining surface of a retainer plate [4], and additionally providing a groove part [9] composed of a dovetail groove on the joining surface of a heat transfer plate [3] in a position facing the protruding part [8]. By fitting the protruding part [8] into the groove part [9] and caulking, the heat transfer plate [3] and the retainer plate [4] are conjoined.

Abstract: An electromagnet heating cable includes a center core, an inner layer body formed around the center core, an intermediate layer body formed around the inner layer body, an outer layer body formed around the intermediate layer body, an inner layer coil having a magnetic core disposed between the center core and inner layer body, an intermediate layer coil disposed between the inner layer body and the intermediate layer body, and an outer layer coil disposed between the intermediate layer body and outer layer body, wherein when a temperature of the heating cable exceeds a threshold, the intermediate layer body melts to electrically connect the intermediate layer coil to the outer layer coil.

Abstract: A thermally insulated susceptor structure comprises a dimensionally stable base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first susceptor overlying the first side of the base, and a second susceptor overlying the second side of the base. The base includes a plurality of flutes or corrugations.

Abstract: A pressurized water container for water fountains, ponds, swimming pools, and aquariums has at least two housing parts and at least one seal arranged between the at least two housing parts, wherein the at least two housing parts are connectable to one another in a lockable way. The at least two housing parts have projections and matching recesses, wherein the projections engage the recesses and, by a displacement of the at least two housing parts relative to one another in opposite directions, they are lockable on one another and releasable from one another when reversing the displacement.

Abstract: A molded plastic mixing station housing for mixing water and chemical for car wash applications comprises a generally right hexahedron having a deep top recess which visually divides the housing into parallel spaced apart towers. A cylindrical mixing reservoir is recessed into the front of the housing such that a Hyrominder can be mounted in the top recess to overlie the open top of the mixing reservoir. A stand-off welt wraps around the entire housing just below the vertical center line to provide a stand-off feature for both wall mounting as well as the mounting of a control panel on one of the side surfaces of the housing. Mounting bracket slots are provided in the four upper corners of the housing for both wall mounting and control panel mounting. A deep recess runs down the back side to provide space for an overflow tube. The housing is preferably rotocast from high density polyethylene and may be color coded to match with the supply for a particular chemical.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a packaging combination characterized by comprising a casing (1) having at least two openings (5, 6), and a casing coupler; a container (2) having a mouth (11), a container coupler and a container attachment mechanism, wherein the container (2) is at least partially housed inside the casing (1) and its container coupler cooperate at least partially with the casing coupler; a sealing lid (4) having sealing lid attachment structure, wherein the sealing lid (4) can be fastened to the container (2), with the lid attachment structure cooperating with the container attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a container (67), the lid (2) comprising a first plastic layer (15) including a portion having at least one colored pigment and a second plastic layer (14) including at least one thermochromic substance capable of becoming translucent upon reaching a predetermined temperature in response to heat transfer from or to contents of the container so as to reveal the colored pigment of the first layer. Alternatively, there is described a lid comprising a layer with a portion (62,63) that becomes either observable or non-observable at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A container closure that counts items inserted into the container is disclosed. The closure includes a lid structure that has a container sealing means around a perimeter thereof and an aperture traversing the lid structure. A flap is adapted to substantially seal the aperture and is fixed with a hinge at one edge thereof to a bottom side of the lid structure. A counting mechanism is fixed to the lid structure and includes an actuating lever having an actuator linkage fixed to the flap. The counting mechanism is adapted to increment a counter of the counting mechanism when the flap is moved from a closed position towards an open position. Preferably the actuator linkage is a coil spring such that the flap only needs to travel a short distance towards its open position to actuate the actuating lever.

Abstract: A closure for a container having a mouth wherein the closure is adapted for sealable connection to the mouth of the container and includes an end wall at the upper end of the skirt for closing the mouth when the closure is mounted to the container. The closure includes an opening in the end wall for dispensing a product held by the container and a first flap that has at least one flap aperture that is smaller than the opening. The first flap is adapted for selectively opening and closing the opening. A second flap is adapted for overlaying the first flap and includes a first state wherein one or more of the flap apertures in the first flap are open and a second state wherein the flap apertures in the first flap are sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hygiene cap detachably provided for a can having a lid formed with an outlet and an opener for opening the outlet, the hygiene cap comprising a cap body interposed between an outer surface of the lid and the opener and rotating about the lid; and a cleaner attached under the cap body and cleaning the outer surface of the lid as the cap body rotates. Thus, the present invention provides a hygiene cap for a can, which minimizes contaminants of the can while it is produced, distributed and taken in custody, and allows a user to easily clean an outlet of the can and then drink a beverage from the can.

Abstract: A device providing a flexible tether between food storage containers and their specific lids, to aid in organization of and to prevent loss of the individual components. The ends of said tether have attachment means which may be affixed to a lid and to a container by a selection of several attachment systems. The device functions effectively in organizing containers and lids that have no manufactured tethering or retaining means, such that may already exist in a disorganized fashion in a consumer's inventory, where implementation of the device will maintain an organization for the future of the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for increasing portion control in a diet. In one illustrative embodiment, the portion control device includes a cover member sized to cover at least a portion of an eating surface of a plate. The cover member may include a first surface having one or more openings therein defined by an opening perimeter. One or more compartment walls may be attached to the first surface adjacent to the perimeter of the one or more openings and may extend a distance therefrom. The openings and the compartment walls may define a portion compartment that may help to manage, and in some cases, measure, portions of food. Additionally, in some embodiments, the compartments may have labels indicating the food group to be placed therein to help achieve a balanced diet.

Abstract: A double-bottom pot with synthetic, silicon heat transfer oil sealed in a cavity formed between them to the extent of 100 percent of its volume, to disperse and evenly spread to the food contents the heat from an applied flame or burner no matter how high the temperature.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.

Abstract: A container of a collapsible type for liquid contents, comprising a compartment (4) which is defined by two opposite side walls (2) and a bottom wall (3) and whose volume depends on the relative position of the walls (2, 3). The container comprises a product-enclosing portion (19) which is formed by said walls (2, 3) and which in a filled state of the container extends from said bottom wall (3) to a surface level (20) of the contents held in the container. The product-enclosing portion (19) is arranged to be expanded by said contents to essentially assume the shape of a truncated cone (21) with its narrow end facing away from said bottom wall (3).

Abstract: A lid for a container is disclosed that has a series of seals. The first seal is a cork seal mechanism that is forced against the container interior at a top portion of the container. The second seal is created by at least two ribs that produce a spring-like force against the container. An additional stretch fit seal can be incorporated into the lid. A tear strip can also be incorporated into the lid with windows immediately above the tear strip, thereby forming slits in the skirt to aid in removal of the lid.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser having a lower housing (12), an upper housing (14) with an elastometric cover (16) that covers at least a portion of a trigger mechanism. The dispenser mechanism (120) has a spring element (130) and a lever mechanism (142) pivotally mounted in the dispensing zone (124). An interior of the lower housing (12) is provided with a pusher bar (149) which extends from a fore wall (103) of the lower housing (12) back towards an upward extending leg (145) of the lever mechanism (142).

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: Provided is a urine examination indicator paper vending machine which is installed near a urinal in a public restroom to thus be conscious of progresses of various adult diseases in advance and prevent development of serious diseases beforehand, and to thereby raise consciousness of various diseases and keep people's healths. The urine examination indicator paper vending machine (A) includes a box-shaped vending machine main body on the outer surface of which a manual display, an automatic display, and a manipulator are respectively formed; a measuring portion having a discriminator which is connected with the automatic display; and a urine examination indicator paper loading portion having a residual urine collection vessel at the lower portion of the measuring portion, to accordingly check a reaction change degree on a reaction portion 41 in the urine examination indicator paper.

Abstract: Chewing gum dispenser with a hollow rectangular housing, a battery door, a DC power source, a pair of battery contacts, a plurality of electrical conducting wires, a gum loading door, a DC motor, a speed reduction gear assembly, a gum pushing cam member, a momentary normally open motor start switch switch, a a momentary normally closed motor stop switch, and a compression spring. A stack of gum sticks are inserted into the front door of the housing so that they are being pushed up by the compression spring. The cam member is attached to the shaft of the gear reduction assembly and is located just behind the top most gum stick. When a person presses on the start button, the cam rotates and pushes out the top gum stick enough for a person to pull it completely out of the housing.

Abstract: A cup dispenser for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the dispenser including a reciprocating separator defining an oblong opening for supporting the stack of cups, a portion of the opening having a diameter smaller than the rims, a wedge on each side of the separator adapted and configured for insertion between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate the bottom-most cup from the second-to-bottom-most cup, until the bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion of the opening, and a stop member for engaging the stack during separation. The cup dispenser may further include a released cup holder and/or an adapter for changing the diameter of the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing small objects comprises a housing, an interior volume formed in the housing adapted to hold at least one of the small objects, an access port in the housing providing access to the interior volume, and a dispenser closure operatively connected to the housing and movable from a first position closing access to the access port to a second position adapted to provide dispensing of one of the objects from the interior volume through the access port. An openable and closeable attachment loop is integrally formed as part of the housing, the attachment loop adapted to be selectively attached to a holding device to secure the housing to the holding device.

Abstract: A bulk product feeding system includes a product hopper, and a reciprocating ram, positioned in the bottom of the hopper. The hopper has substantially vertical sidewalls, and the ram has a width substantially equal to the width of the hopper. The hopper is configured to hold a bulk quantity of sticky or fragile product, and the sidewalls are spaced apart a distance sufficient to resist bridging of the product. The ram is configured to selectively reciprocate to controllably discharge product through the outlet. The bulk feeding system can include additional features such as a stepped ram, a flexible finger gate, and an oscillating finger gate.

Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispense aperture, a hopper, an accumulator assembly, a weighing system, and a flap door. The hopper is positioned in the cabinet and configured to hold food articles. The accumulator assembly is positioned vertically below the first hopper and includes an accumulator bin and a door assembly. The accumulator door is positioned in the cabinet and arranged to receive food articles dispensed from the first hopper. The door assembly is configured to retain the food articles in the accumulator bin and is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. The weighing system is configured to determine an amount of food articles held in the accumulator bin. The flap door is positioned adjacent to the door assembly and is movable between a closed position substantially sealing closed the cabinet dispense aperture, and an open position. The flap door automatically closes upon actuation of the door assembly into the closed position.

Abstract: A security seal for an aerosol container (12), which has an actuator (16) in communication with a valve (14). Means are provided such as adhesive (24), contact cement or a weld to deter removal of the actuator (16) from the valve system (14). The valve system (14) and actuator (16) are made of compatible materials so they may be joined by laser or sonic welding, or by solvent cement. Optionally, a collar (26) has a first ledge (28) that locks under rim (18) and has a second ledge (30) that engages a base portion (27) of the actuator and prevents its removal, except by breaking the collar. The security seal can include means such as a cap (34) which is joined to the collar (26) by a frangible connection (38), to provide a tamper indication of whether the actuator (16) has been accessed.

Abstract: A flexible, body attached device is disclosed for dispensing skin treatment and topically-absorbed medicinal treatments. The device comprises a dispensing reservoir that is caused to dispense treatment through a slit-based diaphragm valve upon the application of simple pressure to the device. Various embodiments of the invention include variations in the structure of the valve, reservoir, and body attachment means.

Abstract: A micro-applicator includes a body and a tip holder located at an end of the body. A spring-loaded plunger extends through the body such that when sufficient force is applied to the end of the plunger extending out of the body, the plunger extends into the tip holder to eject a tip held therein. Another micro-applicator includes a grip, a tip holder located at an end of the grip and a spring-biased ejector configured such that compression of the spring causes the ejector to extend through tip holder and eject a tip held therein. Another micro-applicator includes a body, including a grip portion and a tip holding portion. The tip holding portion is configured to hold a disposable dental tip. A spring-biased ejector located within the body allows quick and efficient ejection of the disposable dental tip.

Abstract: A bulk product feeding system includes a product hopper, and a reciprocating ram, positioned in the bottom of the hopper. The hopper has substantially vertical sidewalls, and the ram has a width substantially equal to the width of the hopper. The hopper is configured to hold a bulk quantity of sticky or fragile product, and the sidewalls are spaced apart a distance sufficient to resist bridging of the product. The ram is configured to selectively extend to push product out of an outlet of the hopper, and to retract to allow product to drop down to the bottom of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a precompression system for a liquid dispensing device, which prevents liquid from being discharged until a predetermined pressure has been built up. The precompression system comprises a pump for drawing liquid through an inlet and discharging it through an outlet and a precompression valve disposed between the pump and the outlet. The precompression valve allows liquid in the pump to reach the outlet only after the predetermined pressure is established and stops liquid from reaching the outlet when the pressure falls below the predetermined level. The precompression valve comprises an elastic diaphragm normally closing the valve opening and including a concave surface facing the valve opening and in fluid communication with the pump and a convex surface in fluid communication with atmospheric pressure. The elastic diaphragm may be stretched around a valve seat. The invention further relates to a method of assembling such a precompression system in a liquid dispensing device.

Abstract: Always Spray Tubing with Weight is an attachment for any manual, mechanical, battery, or electric dispensing apparatus. The flexible part of the piece allows the end, which is weighted to move freely with the motion of the liquid or substance used. The weighted end is more dense than the substance or liquid applied to which allows the weight to remain submerged. The weighted end has a hollow center which allows passage of liquid or substance through to flexible tubing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plunger, a plunger assembly, and a system for storing a substance or substances, preferably flowable substances, and a method of filling and sealing a substance in a storing system. In particular, the present invention provides for substantially air-free filling and storing of substances in a delivery system.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a dispensing apparatus comprises a valve, a lever arranged to open the valve to dispense product, and variable spacer means arranged to limit the travel of the lever by a variable amount according to the relative position of the lever and the variable spacer means. The variable spacer means includes a plurality of spacer portions of differing thickness, each spacer portion being arranged to limit the travel of the lever by a predetermined amount. One spacer portion may be arranged to allow a full range of travel of the lever so that by pressing the lever fully the valve is fully opened. Another spacer portion may be arranged to allow a partial range of travel of the lever so that the valve is opened to an intermediate flow setting. Further spacer portions may be arranged to provide further intermediate flow settings.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer including a propylene component with isotactic crystallinity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered removal of bulk material from a bin is described, the apparatus having a top bulk-material-filling opening and bottom bulk-material-removal opening, comprising a rotor that is connected in a driven manner to at least one sweeping arm disposed inside the bin near the bin's rotationally symmetrical floor and directed towards the removal opening. In order to create an apparatus for the removal of bulk material from a bin in which the mass of the removed bulk material not only can be metered very precisely, but which is also of simple design and easy to maintain, provision is made whereby the sweeping arm is attached on the bottom side of a separating element connected in a driven manner to the rotor, and whereby a settling zone is provided below the separating element in front of the sweeping arm, this zone only being open on one side to the bulk material through a feed opening, and on the other side to the removal opening.