Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for dispensing material from a container. Devices can include driving arrangement for providing one or more forces, and actuator for activating the driving arrangement whereby the driving arrangement causes material to be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A fitment for package holding a liquid and a package including such a fitment. The fitment is a metering dispensing valve arranged to be secured to a flexible bag for selectively dispensing a metered quantity of the liquid therefrom. It includes a compressible bulb and a piercing member which when actuated pierces through the bag to enable a metered amount of the liquid to be drawn into a reservoir in the bulb. The bulb can then be compressed to dispense the metered amount of liquid from the reservoir. The dispensing valve also includes a inlet valve to the reservoir and an outlet valve from the reservoir. The fitment may include a pair of barriers to enable it to be sterilized before being secured to the bag form an aseptic package.

Abstract: A vent for a liquid dispenser includes a vent flange comprising a flange body. The vent body includes a vent wall on which the membrane is applied. The vent wall extends parallel to the geometric axis of the device so as to have a sufficiently large area available for applying the transpiratory membrane and at the same time to limit the space occupied radially by the flange.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a first pump to displace a first volume and a second pump to displace a second volume greater than the first volume. The first pump draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to the second pump. The second pump draws in the discharge from the first pump and an additional volume of air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump has the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. The first and second chambers communicate together. In one version, a one-way valve provides flow outwardly only from the first chamber to the second chamber and the first pump discharges while the second pump draws in, and vice versa.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid dispenser and a towel dispenser. The liquid dispenser further comprises a container member and an expelling member. The towel dispenser is disposed adjacent to and in contact with a portion of the container member of the liquid dispenser. Liquid is dispensed, through the expelling member of the liquid dispenser, in a substantially downward direction.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser member comprising a body (1), an actuator element (2), and a return spring (3), said actuator element comprising a portion disposed inside the body and a top portion (21, 23) that projects out from the body, said actuator element being axially displaceable, downwards and upwards, inside said body between a rest position and a depressed position, said actuator element being urged towards the rest position by the return spring (3), the dispenser member being characterized in that it further comprises blocking means (14, 24, 3) for preventing the actuator element (2) from turning relative to said body (1).

Abstract: Compact powered caulking gun comprising of a body consisting of two clamshells. A removable cartridge cradle with a three position, rheostatic extrusion speed regulator, Forward-On, Off, Reverse-On switch attached to the body. A motor operatively coupled to an actuator shaft with two oppositely pitched threads thereon. An upper link member actuator with a pitched thread formed therewithin, rotatably situated on the actuator shaft. A lower link member actuator with a pitched thread formed therewithin, rotatably situated on the actuator shaft. A scissor-type mechanism, with a pusher plate, operatively connected to the upper link member actuator and operatively connected to the lower link member actuator for the purpose of dispensing caulk, adhesive and other viscous materials.

Abstract: A recharge sleeve for use with a spray dispenser device, made of a matrix comprises an absorptive material impregnated with a chemical composition that dissolves in solution created when the sleeve is contacted with a diluent fluid such as water. The recharge sleeve is elongated in shape with a center opening parallel to the long edges of the sleeve for mounting on the diptube of the spray dispenser device. A conically shaped retainer formed of rigid plastic is attached or provided for attachment to the lower end of the diptube for stabilizing the diptube and retaining the recharge sleeve clear of the bottom of the retainer after the sleeve has been applied to the diptube. When of the spray dispenser device is sealed and the spray dispenser device is shaken, the fluid penetrates into the matrix material, and the chemical composition dissolves in the fluid creating a cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfectant solution that will remain stable and fully active in use.

Abstract: The invention is a pressurized gas providing and gas pressure regulating device. The invention is a container with an over pressurized second chamber of pressurized gas that can be released to the exterior of the container when a valve that is integrally connected to a piston that along with a first cylinder forms a first chamber that is filled with a comparably less over pressurized gas that pushes the valve open when the gas pressure outside of the container is too low, thereby permitting the over pressurized second chamber to fluidly connect via the valve and thereby increase the pressure outside the container, such as to a volume of gas located below a piston within a fluid dispenser, the first and second chambers are shaped as cylinders and the first cylinder fits within the second chamber.

Abstract: A drink supply container for a machine which dispenses beverages. The drink supply container includes an end member having a side wall and a support connected to the side wall. The support is substantially positionable in a plane. The drink supply container also has a gas inlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support. The drink supply container has a drink supply outlet valve, a portion of which extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support.

Abstract: An orienting skirt joined to an aerosol can, the orienting skirt having a generally arcuate rim extending outward such that when the can is placed on a flat surface, the rim urges the can into a predetermined generally stable horizontal configuration with the discharge nozzle oriented in an upright direction. A full release actuator is disposed adjacent to the valve stem of the aerosol can and has a trigger and a discharge nozzle such that when the trigger is pressed the contents of the aerosol can are dispensed through the discharge nozzle. With the discharge nozzle in an upright direction, the contents of the can are dispersed more evenly on the interior surfaces of the trash can.

Abstract: A top sizing system for a garment hanger. The system includes a sizer seat secured to an upper portion of the hook of the hanger. The seat includes a ledge and a tab extending substantially perpendicular therefrom. The tab includes at least one guide slot. The system further includes a sizer having an internal cavity configured to receive the tab therein. The sizer has at least one guide repositioned to engage the guide slot whereupon the sizer can be moved from a first unengaged position to a second engaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing tools with respect to a spare wheel for a vehicle. The apparatus includes a hub member that is adapted for selective securement to a central area of a spare wheel. At least one securement structure is provided on the hub member. At least one strap member is secured to the at least one securement structure. The at least one strap member is adjustable to at least partially define a variably sized opening and is configured to selectively secure at least one tool within the variably sized opening.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus and method for a shift generated by a web during web transportation is provided, in which a coarse position guiding module and a fine position guiding module function to directly adjust the web so as to compensate the shift occurred during the process of transportation according to a position of the web. By means of monitoring a location of the fine position guiding module at any time, a reference of the coarse position guiding module will be adjusted when the location of the fine position guiding module satisfies the condition defined in the guiding method, so as to change a position where the web enters into the fine position guiding module.

Abstract: A powder-actuated fastener-driving tool includes a barrel unit inserted movably into a housing, a holder disposed movably in the housing, abutting against the barrel unit and having a through hole defined by an inner annular surface, and a spring-loaded firing pin disposed fixedly in the housing, having a free end portion extending into the through hole in the holder, and movable among normal and standby positions, where the firing pin is inclined due to engagement between the free end portion thereof and the shoulder portion of the holder, and a firing position. When a trigger unit mounted on the housing is operated to switch the firing pin from the standby position to the firing position, the free end portion of the firing pin disengages the shoulder portion of the holder to move frontwardly to thereby contact and ignite gunpowder in a chamber in a rear end portion of the barrel unit.

Abstract: A tool (12) has a body (14) having an opening (16) forming a barrel (18) which has a top and a bottom (20 and 22), an opening (30) at the bottom (22), and a pressure input (44) for fluid communication. The barrel (18) receives a piston (24) and a magnet (23) which is contiguous with the pressure input (44). An actuator pin tube (26) is received in the opening (30) at the bottom (22) of the barrel (18), and an actuator pin (38) is engaged in the tube (26). A second opening (28) may be disposed in the top (20). A kit (110) containing the tool (12), hose (94), cartridges (84) and a pump (P). A method for using the tool (12) is also contemplated hereby. Multiple tools (12) may be detonated at the same time by hooking them up to a manifold (95 or 95?).

Abstract: A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle.

Abstract: A material comprising a matrix or a buttress is impregnated with an adhesive initiator and is used with a surgical stapling device and an adhesive. The tissue and material are stapled together, and a knife in the surgical stapling device cuts the tissue and the material. The adhesive is applied across the cut and sets up or polymerizes to seals the cut when the adhesive contacts the adhesive initiator. The surgical stapling device can place the staples in a linear, arcuate, or circular array, and can anastomose luminal tissue. The methods of use can include stapling luminal tissue end to end, stapling two portions of material onto ether side of tissue, and stapling two portions of tissue onto a portion of material. Additionally, a portion of adhesive filed material can be stapled onto one side of portion of tissue and the adhesive initiator impregnated material can be stapled onto the other.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil.

Abstract: A diffuser plate for a reflow oven includes an upper surface and a plurality of nozzle openings therein. Each of the plurality of nozzle openings has a raised surrounding portion for restricting condensed flux on the upper surface of the diffuser plate from flowing through the nozzles. A drain hole permits condensed flux on the upper surface to flow downward through the plate.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes alternating rows of rotary airfoils or blades and static airfoils or vanes. The vanes are made of a base metal, such as cobalt or nickel superalloy. If a crack forms in one of the vanes, a braze alloy is applied to the crack. The braze alloy is a powdered slurry. The braze alloy includes approximately 50 to 100% of a base material and approximately 0 to 50% of a braze material. The base material of the braze alloy has the same composition as the composition of the base metal of the vane. The airfoil is then exposed to microwaves which melt the braze alloy in preference to the base metal to repair the crack in the vane.

Abstract: A plastic box formed of plastic that closes an opening by bending inner Flaps, arranged on one pair of opposite two sides at a periphery of the opening, towards the inside, and folding an outer flap arranged on one side of the other pair of opposite two sides, while inserting and latching an insertion flap piece into the inside of the opening. The plastic box includes a lock mechanism that functions by engaging respective base end parts of the inner flap with notches formed on respective end parts of a bend line bent from the outer flap of the insertion flap piece. In addition, the plastic box includes a finger-receiving brim piece protruding from the bend line towards the outside at a position shifted from the center of the bend line towards the side edge.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid-in-box container. A liquid-in-box container in accordance with the present invention may comprise: (a) a box; (b) a liquid-containing receptacle; (c) a spout; (d) a spout outlet aperture; (e) a first hand-hold aperture; (f) a second hand-hold aperture; (g) a third hand-hold aperture; and (h) a fourth hand-hold aperture.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes air cell structure that allows for a container with a constant outside volume to have a variable inside volume. The air cell structure containers functions to prevent telescoping of vertically stacked container and for strength and stability. The container may be partially assembled for shipping and hand set into final assembly as needed.

Abstract: A waste disposal device comprises a container having hamper. The hamper is insertable and removable through a movable door of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for verifying the validity of ID cards. A card reading device reads an ID card and transmits a request to a database server. A database is queried and a reply is sent back to the card reading device indicating whether the ID is valid. If desired, the reply can include additional information, such as a description of the ID holder. The ID verification system can be used to help verify whether an ID belongs to the ID holder. The system can also log and timestamp events for future access.

Abstract: A payment card transaction notification and authorization system provides a notification message to a payment card holder of an attempted transaction using his/her payment card. The system provides multiple options for the payment card holder to decline authorization of the attempted transaction. The multiple options comprise a first option for the payment card holder to decline authorization of an undesirable but non-fraudulent transaction, and a second option for the payment card holder to decline authorization of a fraudulent transaction.

Abstract: A telebanking apparatus for performing monetary transactions from remote dispersed locations and, more particularly to apparatus for transferring cash value or monetary value between two parties, either nationally or across national borders. The telebanking apparatus is equipped to receive, store and transfer cash value to or from electronic cash value cards, credit cards, debit cards and the like, as well as to use such cash value and credit cards for the electronic payment of bills online. The disclosed apparatus additionally includes a handheld electronic device also providing such value transfer and bill payment services while traveling.

Abstract: A bill depositing/withdrawing apparatus having a cash slot for charging/discharging a bill or bills, comprises: a bill storage section provided inwardly of the cash slot in the apparatus to store a bill or bills, and posture changing means that changes the bill storage section to a money depositing/withdrawing posture, in which a bill or bills are received from and paid to a user through the cash slot, and to a feeding/stacking posture, in which a bill or bills are fed into the apparatus and stacked in the bill storage section, and wherein a bill or bills stored in the bill storage section are caused to project toward a user when the money depositing/withdrawing posture is assumed.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: A managed service may include first logic to receive authentication information from a user terminal on behalf of a user, and receive user information on behalf of the user when the user terminal is authenticated via the authentication information. The first logic may send a portion of the user information to a mobile wallet application operating on a mobile terminal related to the user, and may receive updated user information from the mobile terminal, where the updated user information identifies a change to the portion of the user information, the change based on an operation performed via the mobile terminal on behalf of the user. The managed service may include second logic to store the user information in a server virtual wallet application on behalf of the user, retrieve the portion of the user information from the server virtual wallet application for the sending, and store the updated user information in the server virtual wallet application.

Abstract: A memory card has external interface terminals, an interface controller connected to each of the terminals, a rewritable nonvolatile memory connected to the interface controller, and a data processor connected to the interface controller. The interface controller can perform an operation based on another command supplied from the outside in parallel with the operations of transferring a command for a data process supplied from the outside to the data processor and operating it. The interface controller has plural buffers and, after completely inputting the command for a data process from an outside to a first buffer of the plural buffers, allows data related to the other command supplied from the outside to be inputted to a second buffer of the plural buffers. The memory card can receive a command data and data to be processed subsequently from the outside without the need of waiting for the completion of the communication process between the data processor and the interface controller.

Abstract: A method of providing business information data to a user, including allowing the user unlimited access to interactive, customizable modular applications through a single platform. The applications interface with a database to provide real-time business information data to the user, the business information data relating to an entity and being based on a unique corporate identification number associated with the entity.

Abstract: A removable computer chip module for use in a communication unit is disclosed. The communication unit also includes a transceiver, an interface in communication with the removable computer chip module, and a controller in communication with the interface. The controller configured to receive a first access number stored on the removable computer chip module. The controller is further configured to control a transceiver in the communication unit such that the transceiver transmits the first access number to access a cellular network and receives a second access number. The controller is further configured to control the transceiver such that the transceiver transmits the second access number to the cellular network for subsequent access to the cellular network. The controller is further configured to receive count information associated with calls from the removable computer chip module.

Abstract: A wallet consolidator to warehouse information pertaining to at least one card and to retrieve the warehoused information to facilitate a transaction is provided. An embodiment of a wallet consolidator can include a housing, one or more input devices positioned to receive information, and a memory device positioned to store at least a portion of the information received by the one or more input devices. The wallet consolidator can also include a radio frequency wireless communication interface associated with the housing and adapted to communicate with a point-of-sale terminal thereby to provide at least a portion of the information stored in the memory device to the point-of-sale terminal, a display screen, and a controller positioned within the housing in communication with and to control each of the one or more input devices, the memory device, the radio frequency wireless communication interface, and the display screen.

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system capable of displaying a menu including one or more user-defined custom transactions associated with an identification card so that the user can select a desired transaction by a single selection or with limited inputs. The transactions may be defined by a user during a set-up/authorization operation and/or may be stored based on transactions performed by the user. Additionally, the transactions may be stored on the identification card, in a local memory of a transaction terminal and/or in a system memory of the EFT system. A single identification card may be used to enable the user to select from a plurality of financial accounts with different institutions. Another asset of an ATM system and method comprises a graphical user interface that enables a user to select a transaction type and the transaction parameters necessary to define that transaction from a single display.

Abstract: A fraudulent business transaction application (FBTA) is provided for monitoring application based fraud. When a consumer supplies account access information in order to carry out an Internet business transaction, the FBTA uses an online fraud mitigation engine to detect phishing intrusions and identity theft. Methods are also provided for calculating travel velocity and transaction frequency, which are useful for determining a fraudulent transaction.

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. Additional embodiments include assuring payment for and delivery of merchandise associated with an Internet commercial transaction.

Abstract: A system and method of providing relevant sales context information that would enable vendors to reduce cost of operations, increase productivity of their mobile sales forces, and drive improved efficiencies throughout. Mobile sales force representatives can utilize a handheld computing device for reviewing relevant customer sales information prior to a sales visit; for training and other purposes during a sales visit; and inputting new customer sales information during or after a sales visit, which can then be uploaded to a server over a wireless network for future use. The handheld device can communicate with a server to download the customer information onto the handheld device and to upload from the handheld device current customer information data obtained from a customers sales visit to a server. The server can transmit the current customer information data to multiple sales force representatives who can utilize that information in the sales environment.

Abstract: A method of generating an association between an object and a sticker on a surface, the sticker having disposed therein or thereon coded data at least partially indicative of a sticker identity, the method including, in a computer system: receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the identity of the sticker, the sensing device being responsive to sensing at least some of the coded data to generate the indicating data; identifying, using the indicating data, the identity of the sticker on the surface; and, generating an association based at least partially on the sticker identity and an object.

Abstract: A laser alignment system includes a laser emitter for producing at least one fan beam. The laser alignment system further includes a target assembly with at least one CCD linear array. The CCD linear array is disposed to be impinged upon by a portion of the fan beam to provide displacement data. Mirrors are disposed to redirect a portion of the fan beam to a second position on the CCD linear array to provide a second reading. The first and second readings are used to calculate angular alignment data.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, and software development environment, that supports manufacturer-constrained system behavior modification and/or extension by end-users and third-parties through the development and installation/deployment of plug-in modules within the application layer of the system by persons other than the original system designers. By virtue of the present invention, the standard features and functionalities of such systems can now be flexibly modified and/or extended by end-users and third-parties (e.g. VARs, OEMs etc), and thus satisfy customized end-user application requirements, without possessing or acquiring detailed knowledge about the hard-ware platform of the system, its communication interfaces with the outside environment, and user-related interfaces.

Abstract: An irrigation unit (10) includes a housing (200), a nozzle (220), a first mover (238) and a second mover (268). The nozzle (220) is secured to the housing (200) and is in fluid communication with a fluid source (18). The first mover (238) rotates the nozzle (220) about a first axis, and the second mover (268) rotates the nozzle (220) about a second axis that is different than the first axis. In one embodiment, the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. At least a portion of the housing (200) can movably extend along the first axis. The second mover (268) can rotate the nozzle (220) about the second axis based upon a pressure of a fluid (19) within the housing (200) and/or upon position of an area (30) relative to the nozzle (220). Further, the second mover (268) can oscillate the nozzle (220) about the second axis. The rotation of the nozzle (220) about the second axis can also be based upon at least one of a wind direction and a wind speed near the nozzle (220).

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for spraying a wash liquid towards a pulp mat, the assembly including an integral fastener-nozzle having a conduit for the wash liquid, an outlet to the conduit for discharging the wash liquid and an attachment to secure the fastener-nozzle to an aperture in a wash liquid pipe, and a wash liquid direction device extending outwardly from the pipe and adapted to direct the wash liquid from the outlet towards the pulp mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to disintegrate a liquid having a tendency to solidify and improving the operational safety of processes involving dispensing or spraying of small liquids amounts. The method of the present invention comprises the prevention of the formation of nozzle built-up of formerly suspended particles or formerly dissolved solute by means of closing the nozzle aperture when the spraying process is stopped using a sealing liquid.

Abstract: A riser seal cartridge for an irrigation sprinkler. The cartridge is formed of a rigid self support shell, and a sealing member formed of a resilient material covering the shell in areas which provide the seal. The sealing member includes a first portion which seals the top end of the sprinkler body, a second portion which seals an outer surface of the riser, a third portion which connects the first and second portions, and a fourth portion extending from the third seal portion which provides a seal for the support shell lower end portion. The first seal portion provides a high pressure seal to prevent leakage when the riser is in a fully extended position; and the second seal portion provides a low pressure seal during pressure build-up as the riser is extending.

Abstract: A sprinkler stand for holding an oscillating sprinkler in an elevated and generally vertical orientation to provide a desired sprinkler coverage pattern, wherein a sprinkler holder holds a sprinkler, a frame elevates and supports the sprinkler holder, and a base supports the frame. Preferably, the sprinkler holder includes two tracks for engaging base members of a sprinkler, wherein the tracks allow for the repositioning of the sprinkler so as to vary the sprinkler elevation, the height of the sprinkler holder is adjustable by moving the holder along the frame, or by adding a frame extender to the frame, and the sprinkler holder may be rotated, or the frame rotatably or angularly adjusted to achieve a desired sprinkler orientation.

Abstract: A nozzle for the discharge of a flowable substances, for example adhesive or sealing compositions, having a discharge orifice with a variable geometry. The adjustable nozzle permits the user to select the optimal discharge profile suited to a particular application of the composition being discharged.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly that includes upper and lower washers and a cam. A particular implementation of a nozzle assembly includes a stem coupled with a cam assembly. The stem has a nozzle in a first end which is in fluid communication with a second end of the stem. An upper washer is slidably coupled with a washer race in the stem and may have an upper washer groove and a lower washer may be coupled with the second end of the stem and have a lower washer groove. A spring element may be disposed around the stem between the upper and lower washer grooves. Particular implementations of a cam assembly may include a lower cam half slidably coupled into an upper cam half. Other particular implementations may further include the lower cam half rotationally and, in some implementations, removably indexed in relation to the upper cam half.