Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. Both the receptacle and the engaging seal member of the lid may be outwardly splayed. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal medicine traveler, consisting of a durable outer shell, a soft inner lining, as well as a temperature controlling insert. The traveler is also designed to be compact, washable and easily transported.

Abstract: A steel sheet undergone precipitation strengthening and refinement in crystal grain size by containing at least one element of 0.005% to 0.05% of Nb, 0.005% to 0.05% of Ti, and 0.0005% to 0.005% of B as a chemical composition is produced through continuous annealing. A steel containing at least one element of Nb, Ti, and B is hot rolled, cooled at a cooling rate of 40° C./s or less, and coiled at 550° C. or higher to facilitate precipitation of cementite after recrystallization annealing. As a result, a steel sheet for a can having a tensile strength of 450 to 550 MPa, a total elongation of 20% or more, and a yield elongation of 5% or less is produced.

Abstract: A holding element (9) for at least one object, with a body (9a) including a point of support (6) for accommodating an object and an accommodating element (22) for the edge of a support profile to which the holding element (9) can be attached, in which the body (9a) has an outer surface (10) of which an upper limiting edge (20) adjoining the outer surface (10) forms point of support (6), and in that the accommodating element (22) for the support profile is contrived at the lower limiting edge (24) of the outer surface (10).

Abstract: Protective covers for cans of paint or wood stain having a circular cap with an inner and an outer lip, wherein the inner and outer lips are downwardly disposed to cooperatively and frictionally engage a lid rim of a paint or wood stain can, and a circular flange extending upwardly from the circular cap and extending circumferentially around the lid rim of the can, wherein the circular flange curves inwardly toward the center of the can to define an opening through which the contents of the can may be accessed, and wherein a portion of the outer edge of the flange extends a shorter distance upward from the cap than the rest of the flange to provide a recessed edge against which excess liquid may be scraped from a paint brush and drain back into the can.

Abstract: A beverage container handle is disclosed, fabricated from sheet material, such as rubber with rubber or fabric with rubber includes any biodegradable material or any other recyclable material. The handle comprises a cylindrical portion for receiving a beverage container and a “C” shaped handle portion. Both of these portions are fabricated from the same single continuous sheet. A Method of manufacturing the container handle includes handle members that are continuous with the cylindrical portion that wraps around the outer walls of a container held therein. Thus the handle is uniquely rigid, providing the user with a sense of firmness. A person using the handle need not have direct contact with the beverage container held therein, thus increasing his or her comfort level. Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing and compacting the handle for easy storage and access of-the invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses a carrying device for a container, in particular for a keg, having an annular cap piece that comprises at least one connecting element suited for being connected with an upper rim of the container, and having a carrying handle, extending across the annular cap piece, which in a retracted position lies flat within an outer contour of the annular cap piece and which can be moved into a usage position in which it projects beyond the top of the outer contour of the annular cap piece and can be gripped by one hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine discharge device of an automatic medicine packing machine, which is used to discharge a medicine, fed from a medicine cassette based on a medical prescription, into a medicine packing device. The medicine discharge device includes a medicine input unit installed under a medicine cassette mount to receive the medicine fed from the medicine cassette, a frame provided with a gate unit, the gate unit including gate members to be opened or closed by a drive unit so as to control movement of the medicine discharged from the medicine input unit, a plate installed under the frame and having an accommodation portion to receive the medicine and a recess to allow the medicine to be moved from the gate members to a discharge passage, a vibrator to vibrate the plate, and a medicine transfer unit to discharge the medicine, having passed through the recess, into a hopper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bandage dispenser for dispensing ready-to-adhere bandages from a cartridge. The cartridge is provided with a plurality of stacked plates accommodated within, and a resilient element beneath a lowermost plate that pushes the stacked plates toward the opening. Adhesive bandage are mounted on the plates with exposed adhesive material. An ejection mechanism ejects an uppermost plate so as to allow a sequential plate with an exposed bandage to move upwardly towards the opening.

Abstract: A roller storage system is described consisting of a storage roller (200) for storing banknotes, where the storage roller (200) is operated in a money processing system. The roller storage system is characterized in that the system comprises a container (100) in which the storage roller (200) is disposed, the container (100) has at least one means that enables the guided insertion of the container (100) into the money processing system and/or the guided removal of the container (100) from the money processing system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a bottom base. A slidable access member with a first opening for accessing probe covers is disposed on a first position of the bottom base. A storage member with a second opening thereunder for accommodating stacked probe covers is disposed on a second position of the bottom base. A retaining member holds one of the stacked probe covers. And a linking member connects the slidable access member to the retaining member. The linking member is induced for driving the retaining member to release the one of the stacked probe covers and cause it to fall into the first opening from the second opening and/or hold a further one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: An assembly structured to restrict contamination of individuals from association with the heads of stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes. Different embodiments include the dispensing of cleaning fluid or the delivery of protective barriers onto predetermined portions of the stethoscope heads, while passing along the path of travel. A dispenser assembly and a cooperatively disposed activating assembly are manually operated by moveable, driving engagement with the head portion passing through the housing. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by a head passing along the path of travel. Differently structured dispenser assemblies function to either deliver the cleaning fluid or individually dispense the barriers onto different heads, so as to either facilitate the cleaning or protective covering of exposed surfaces of the stethoscope heads, dependent on the embodiment utilized.

Abstract: Reconfigurable control systems for beverage dispensers, beverage dispensers with a reconfigurable control panel, beverage dispensers that sequence the dispensing of beverage fluids that make up a selected beverage, beverage dispensers that allow for the dispensing of user customized beverages, and related methods for dispensing a beverage fluid are provided. A reconfigurable control system includes a control panel having multiple sensing regions, user reconfigurable switches used to select a control panel configuration, and a control unit operatively coupled with the control panel and the user reconfigurable switches. Each of the sensing regions is assigned to a key of the selected control panel configuration or deactivated. The keys of the selected control panel configuration receive user input to select a beverage and/or a beverage additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for an enhanced beverage dispenser. In preferred embodiments, the beverage dispenser includes: (a) a first flow path in which a first amount of a powder is mixed with water proximal a first whipping chamber to form a first supply of beverage; (b) a second flow path in which a second amount of the same powder is mixed with water proximal a second whipping chamber to form a second supply of the same beverage; and (c) dispensing means positioned downstream of both whipping chambers at which the first and second supplies of beverage converge to provide a high dispensing flow rate. In this regard, a lower flow rate is provided for whipping to inhibit over-foaming of the beverage, while a higher dispensing flow rate is provided for quick-filling of a large-volume beverage container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and mixing fluids from multiple cartridges into a removable container, based on the user input through the provided interface. The user interface allows viewing and adjusting of the mix to be dispensed prior to the actual dispensing. The apparatus is capable of dispensing fluids that have a wide range of viscosities, and that are sticky or that solidify quickly due to the evaporation of the volatile substances they contain.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (100) for the production and the controlled dispensing of soft ice cream or similar products, comprising: A refrigerator body (6) suitable to treat a pre-determined amount of ice-cream; A dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5) of ice-cream; Means (7) for the mixing and the forwarding of the ice-cream to the dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5); and characterised in that the dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5) comprises or is constituted by: An only tap (1a) having an internal portioning chamber of a pre-determined volume and suitable to be filled completely by the ice-cream so as to contain a pre-determined volume of ice-cream as one portion, An only plunger (2) that slides from an upper end to a lower end of the chamber; Holding means (5) for holding the ice cream inside the chamber when the plunger is not actuated, said holding means (5) being fixed at the lower end of the chamber corresponding to the lower end of the tap (1a); Means (3,4,4a) for actuating said plunger (2) for the dispensing of the ice-c

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing a liquid to a user, including an appliance base cabinet comprising an enclosure positioned under a counter that is fixed to a wall. The appliance base cabinet having a support member that is moveable relative to the counter. At least one dispenser spigot is coupled to the appliance base cabinet at a suitable distance below the counter to allow a user dispense water via the at least one dispenser spigot. At least one liquid storage tank is supported by the support member having an opening for out-flow of the liquid. The at least one liquid storage tank is accessible for removal or installation when the support member is moved away from the kitchen counter. The appliance further includes an intermediate reservoir within the appliance base cabinet under the kitchen counter coupled to the opening of the at least one liquid storage tank through which the liquid out of the at least one liquid storage tank is channeled to the at least one dispenser spigot.

Abstract: One embodiment of a conduit assembly for carrying potable liquid may include a tube having a first open end and a second open end. Further, the conduit assembly may include a heating assembly having a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the tube. The sleeve may be made of a polymer and a plurality of metal particles embedded within the polymer. Furthermore, the conduit assembly may include a power supply and a pair of electrical conductors in connection between the sleeve and the power supply.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid to a pasty product is placed at the open end of a rigid container and includes a manual dosing pump for dosing a predetermined amount of product to be dispensed. The device has a base member to be placed on the container, a push button with a dispensing spout capable of a pumping action against a bellow including an opening-closing system formed at the upper end of the bellow. The opening-closing system includes a first inner peripheral collar formed at the upper end of the bellow and associated with a second collar of the bellow that is concentrically arranged relative to the first one and inserted in the same groove of the push button, wherein a locking tab capable of blocking the opening protrudes from the collar.

Abstract: A grease gun is provided comprising a body having a reservoir connection aperture with an inner portion, an outer portion and a plurality of concentric grooves positioned along the inner portion, a grease reservoir is in communication with the reservoir connection aperture and has a groove in a portion of an outside surface of the grease reservoir, and a retention fastener is received by at least one concentric groove and is in operational engagement with the grease reservoir groove to removably retain the grease reservoir. A method of mounting a barrel to a grease gun is also provided.

Abstract: A squeeze-out dispenser for a container containing compounds is disclosed. In an embodiment, the squeeze-out dispenser features two plungers which are provided with a profile along their longitudinal extensions and a drive unit for the plungers with a drive meshing with the profile of the plungers. The profile of the plungers is formed by several through-holes spaced apart from one another at a uniform interval and passing through the plungers, into which through-holes engagements of the drive engage for advancing the plungers.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a sealing component which can take up a liquid release position and a liquid blocking position. The sealing component includes an elastomer part and a rigid part, these parts being fastened to each other when moving.

Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus that may include a container unit, collar unit, plunger, and housing unit, wherein the product dispensing apparatus can transition between all open position and a closed position. In the open position, a product housed in the container unit may be dispensed from a product dispensing unit. In the closed position, the product is restricted from being dispensed from the product dispensing unit. The housing unit is be used to transition the product dispensing apparatus between the open position and the closed position without additional manual intervention. The process of engaging the product dispensing unit to the housing unit causes a physical interaction between the housing unit and the product dispensing unit to transition the product dispensing apparatus from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A spout for liquid containers, in particular bottles, exhibits an elastic and flexible sheet material which can be rolled up for use in order to be inserted as a roll shaped like a sleeve into the outlet of the liquid container. The sheet material comprises a smooth top side having low surface adhesion toward liquids, with the outline of the sheet material being designed with sharp edges. The sheet material exhibits a bottom side opposite to the top side, onto which bottom side a layer of an adhesive is applied at least in sections which is detachable from the bottom side of the sheet material in an essentially residue-free manner after the adhesive has cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a process for automatically pouring molten metal by a tilted ladle, wherein the pouring can be performed in a manner that is as close as possible to that of an experienced operator by using a computer that has programs installed for such purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular infant carrier apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a sling comprising a tail portion and two arm portions supports an infant when rings at the ends of the tail portion and arm portions are brought together at a single point above the infant. The rings are held together by a clamp, and the clamp allows the sling to be attached to space-saving receivers including a wall-mounted hook, a ceiling-mounted hook, a door-mounted hook, a hook attached to a heavy item of furniture, a stand-mounted hook, an over-door hook, or an item of clothing worn by an adult. In one embodiment, the sling can be moved from one receiver to another using a single hand, without removing the infant from the sling. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An animal lead handle device having a handle with a hand grip portion connected to a lead attachment portion. The hand grip portion has a first compartment to accommodate a sanitiser dispensing means and the lead attachment portion has a lead attachment means and a second compartment to accommodate a roll of plastics bags. The plastic bags are dispensed individually one at a time from the second compartment and the sanitiser dispensing means situated in the first compartment allows sanitiser to be dispensed to sanitise a user hands.

Abstract: A carrier for elongated equipment for sports, such as hockey or the like is arranged to be mounted on a roof transport rack of an automotive vehicle. The carrier is molded from a high impact plastic material and consists of an elongated straight portion integrally attached to an angular offset portion defining an elbow between the two portions. The carrier is mounted to the roof transport rack with the angular offset end facing the rear of the vehicle such that a cover door mounted to the carrier can be pivoted downward to gain access to the interior space of the carrier and hockey sticks may conveniently be loaded into the carrier, handle end first, whereafter the cover member is pivoted to a closed and locked position to contain the hockey sticks within the interior space of the carrier during transporting thus avoiding interference with passengers in the interior portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diaper bag having a top opening and including at least one compartment, each compartment having an access opening and a see-through window permitting viewing of all contents of the compartment and removal thereof. The bag is being constructed and operative to fold so as to cover the see-through window while permitting access to each compartment via said top opening. The bag further includes means associated with the bag for indicating the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A backpack for storing and facilitating the use of a laptop computer by a user is disclosed. The backpack includes an enclosure having a front side, a back side, and at least one peripheral edge. The front side includes a laptop compartment flap that is hinged across a horizontal fold line and pivotable between a closed and an open position. The laptop compartment flap also includes a stop means preventing the laptop compartment flap from extending past the open position. With the laptop stored in the laptop compartment of the enclosure, the user may support the backpack in front of the user by the shoulders using shoulder straps, open the laptop compartment flap, remove the laptop and supported the laptop on an inside surface of the laptop compartment flap, with the weight of the laptop being supported by the flap and the stop means.

Abstract: A backpack ventilator is described. An embodiment of the present invention includes a portion of mesh fabric that is attached to a conventional fabric and a spring wire perimeter frame is inserted between them. Stretched between various points on the frame is a plurality of springs. The resulting backpack ventilator is secured between a backpack and the wearer. The springs distribute the pressure from the backpack across a wide contact area to increase comfort for the wearer. The backpack ventilator significantly increases airflow ventilation between the wearer and the backpack. As the wearer moves, the frame and springs absorb some of the impact forces that would otherwise be directed towards the wearer. Furthermore, the movement also causes the ventilator to draw air in and out of the mesh fabric thereby reducing heat and sweat buildup.

Abstract: A manual unrolling device for unrolling and tearing off a rolled up foil or paper web includes (a) a housing in which a winding body can be placed and having at least one web outlet opening; (b) at least one lid cover connected to the housing via a hinge; and at least one cutting element for separating a web section. The cutting element is arranged on a lower side of the lid cover that is directed toward the web outlet opening. A redirecting bar, and at least two pull-off bars across which the web is guided, are arranged parallel to each other at the web outlet opening. Upper edges of at least one pull-off bar are provided with a friction-enhancing coating, and the pull-off bars have a gap between them into which the cutting element dips when the lid cover is closed.

Abstract: The electric drive tool of the invention is configured such that a lock lever is provided to reliably prevent an erroneous operation of a trigger and an operating mode can be switched by changing an operational sequence of this lock lever and a contact trip.

Abstract: A fastener applicator is disclosed which uses a rotating ramped cam to drive a staple or other fastener into a workpiece. The ramped cam rotates in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. Optionally, the fastener applicator may also include a portion for holding caps and positioning a cap beneath each fastener before it is driven into the workpiece. A unique use of a sliding linkage allows for the coupling of the cap-positioning portion with the unique new fastener applicator or also with any standard existing fastener applicator.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool includes a tool body, a nose part for ejecting a nail, which is provided in a lower part of the tool body, an air chamber for storing compressed air, which is provided in the tool body, an air supply pipe for supplying the compressed air from an air supply source to the air chamber, an air duster, an air duster pipeline connected to an air outlet of the air duster, and an air duster valve for controlling supply of the compressed air to the air duster pipeline.

Abstract: A device that generally includes a multistage solenoid having at least a first stage, a second stage and an armature member that travels therebetween. The device also includes a control module connected to the multistage solenoid. The control module detects a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage, the second stage and a combination thereof. The control module adjusts a magnetic field of the at least one of the first stage, the second stage and the combination thereof based on the position of the plunger armature relative thereto.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electrical interconnection for microelectronic circuits are disclosed. One method of electrical interconnection includes forming a bundle of microfilaments, wherein at least two of the microfilaments include electrically conductive portions extending along their lengths. The method can also include bonding the microfilaments to corresponding bond pads of a microelectronic circuit substrate to form electrical connections between the electrically conductive portions and the corresponding bond pads. A microelectronic circuit can include a bundle of microfilaments bonded to corresponding bond pads to make electrical connection between corresponding bonds pads and electrically-conductive portions of the microfilaments.

Abstract: A tin or tin alloy plating film surface treatment aqueous solution that can reduce whiskers on the surface of a tin or tin alloy plating film, and can provide a favorable tin or tin alloy plating film using a simple method for tin or tin alloy plating films that are used on electronic components.

Abstract: A flexible unitary mask has a plurality of through holes. A substrate has a plurality of wettable pads in recessed regions defining volumes. The through holes are aligned with the wettable pads. Molten solder is directly injected through the through holes of the flexible unitary mask into the volumes with the wettable pads, such that the through holes and the volumes with the wettable pads are filled with solder. The solder is allowed to solidify, forming a plurality of solder structures adhered to the wettable pads. The flexible unitary mask is peeled from the substrate after the solder has solidified.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to dividers and folders with tabs adjustable along at least two edges thereof. One embodiment is directed to a folder comprising a first panel, a second panel coupled to the first panel, at least one tab mating feature associated with the second panel, and a tab configured to mate with the at least one tab mating feature. The at least one tab mating feature is configured such that the tab is positionable in at least two positions along a first axis adjacent a first edge of the second panel and in at least two positions along a second axis adjacent a second edge of the second panel, wherein the first axis is transverse to the second axis.

Abstract: A folder provides easy access to its contents, is lockable, and keeps its locking mechanism out of the way when not in use. The folder has fold lines partway down on the front and back faces, so that the user has easy access to the folder contents. There is a gusset on the bottom edge and on the side edges from the bottom to the fold lines. The folder has an elastic member that is configured to act as a locking mechanism. In the locked position, the elastic member extends over the top edge of the folder, thereby preventing the front and back faces from being folded down and additionally preventing the folder's contents from escaping along the top edge. In the unlocked position, the elastic member extends over the side edges of the folder, and the user may optionally fold down the front and/or back faces and may access the contents through the top edge of the folder. The user can easily move the elastic member from a side edge to the top edge and back, to lock and unlock the folder.

Abstract: An easy opening feature to open a sealed and taped carton, such as a partially perforated tab, adjacent an opening in an end panel of the carton where an adhesive strip is placed over a top panel of the carton and extends down the end panel and over at least a portion of the tab. Upon removing the tab from the carton the adhesive strip is removed along with the tab. A method for opening the carton comprises applying a force to lift up on the partially perforated tab to remove the tab from the carton and to continue lifting upward to remove the remainder of the adhesive strip from the top panel.

Abstract: A rural mailbox used for temporarily mails storage has a tiltable secondary-door that can be tilted forward to open and provide a secondary access to mailbox compartment in any position surrounding the mailbox.

Abstract: A machine and methods for maintaining chain of custody during a sampling procedure is provided, the machine including a sample handling robot having an operation head and a verification head. The verification head can be one of a barcode reader, OCR scanner, of RFID tag reader. The verification head of the machine is adapted to read a sample container prior to sampling an aliquot of liquid, and transferring the aliquot to a testing vial. Each sample container and corresponding testing vial is read prior to performing an operation, such that a chain of custody is properly recorded. The machine can further comprise a secondary robot for improved operation.

Abstract: An automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The automated banking machine is operative to receive and display on a display device of the automated banking machine, electronic documents for the user. The automated banking machine may digitally sign the electronic document for the user of the machine. The automated banking machine may be in operative connection with a storage server. The storage server is operative responsive to the automated banking machine to maintain electronic documents in a data store in association with the user's financial account such as checking, savings, debit, or credit account.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for establishing online a shared key that is required to perform a security communication between an automatic teller machine (ATM) and a host. Through this, it is possible to reduce costs and procedures that may be required to use or operate a certificate authority. Also, it is possible to reduce overheads that may occur in generating and verifying a certificate. Accordingly, it is possible to more securely prevent a leakage of the shared key.

Abstract: A financial transaction card associated with an account of a cardholder is provided. The financial transaction card includes a front side, a back side, a signature block, and a validation code. The signature block includes a substrate having a bottom face and a top face wherein the bottom face is coupled to at least one of the sides of the card. The top face is substantially planar and includes a first data field and a second data field. The first data field and the second data field are non-overlapping. The validation code is associated with the account and is displayed within the second data field.