Abstract: A system and method for automatically conducting an inventory verification of a cash recycler are disclosed. Upon receiving an indication of a malfunction or other service issue, the cash recycler will automatically conduct an inventory verification of the cash storage portion of the cash recycler upon completion of the repair of the malfunction or service issue. In some arrangements, the automatic inventory verification will occur at regularly scheduled intervals. In still other arrangements, an upcoming transport of funds will initiate a transfer of funds from a storage region to a transport region. The cash recycler will automatically rebalance funds in the storage region upon completion of the transfer.

Abstract: A coin drop mechanism comprises a support member movably connected to a channel member. A contoured channel configured to receive at least one coin is formed on at least one of the members and defines a coin slot when the members are in contact with each other. The channel is configured to guide the at least one coin to a desired location aligned with an actuator opening on the members. The mechanism further comprises an actuator. The actuator comprises a actuation member configured to travel through the actuator opening, engage the at least one coin against a surface of the channel member, and displace the channel member relative to the support member causing a selected product to be dispensed from a product receptacle.

Abstract: A braking apparatus and method for an escalator or moving walkway are provided. The braking apparatus may include a braking element, a linearly controllable solenoid assembly, a biasing mechanism, and a control device. The braking element may be adapted to engage a brake drum or brake disk on a drive shaft of the escalator or moving walkway. The linearly controllable solenoid assembly may include a brake coil and an elongated member. The elongated member may be moveable linearly along an axis and the braking element may be coupled to the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may be arranged to bias the elongated member in a first direction along the axis to increase a torque applied to the drive shaft by the braking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walkway formed by a series of pallets (1) with a rectangular contour having a passable surface and connected with drive means. The pallets are consecutively connected to one another along the end sections of their adjacent parallel edges, by means of connection devices defining hinges with a pin perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pallets, and have between said sections means defining, in the forward movement path of the walkway, mutual supports between coplanar consecutive pallets.

Abstract: Conveying system, wherein a conveying device that is mobile with respect to an accumulation device is designed to convey a group of postal objects received at input from a flow-forming device designed to generate at output the group of postal objects aligned in a reference direction, partially overlapping one another and arranged with their own front edges spaced apart from one another. The accumulation device is provided with a plurality of cells, each of which is designed to contain at least one group of postal objects fed to the accumulation device by the translating-lifting device.

Abstract: A rotary structure carries cavities with an upper inlet for receiving articles and an open bottom for dropping articles distributed along a closed circuit, and funnel-shaped conduits, each of which is located below a respective cavity to receive an article therefrom, a support plane for temporarily supporting the articles in the cavities and dropping them into the corresponding conduits in a site of the closed circuit, and support elements in each cavity to cooperate with parts of the article when the latter falls in order to confer to it a predetermined orientation inside the conduit. The cavities have their inlets in a perimetric ring surrounding a receptacle for the accumulation of the articles on a bottom formed by a rotating disk the peripheral edge of which reaches, upon rotating, a level above the perimetric ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning at least one voucher (12 to 18). The apparatus has first and second transport elements (24 to 52, 224 to 252) for transporting the voucher (12 to 18) on a transport plane (10) of a transport path. At least one first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) obliquely to the center axis (20) lying on the transport plane (10) of the transport path. At least one second rotating transport element (24 to 36, 224 to 296) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) parallel to the center axis (20). At least one first drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322b) moves the first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) at least to the transport plane (10). At least one second drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322) moves the second rotating transport element (24 to 36) at least to the transport plane (10).

Abstract: A belt scraper assembly having a blade holder and a scraper blade disposed therein, wherein a stiffener extending in a longitudinal direction with respect to the belt is provided in the blade body to resist bending of the blade. A scraper blade having a body with a rigid plate member connected thereto and a stiffener disposed in the body of resilient material above a base portion and below a tip portion of the plate member and extending generally transversely with respect to the length of the scraper body.

Abstract: A support for a conveyor belt is provided. The support has a series of frames that may be installed beneath the underside of the conveyor belt to support the underside of the belt in a trough-shaped arrangement. Each frame supports a guide element, such as a roller, slider bar or bearing block, that permits the belt to ride over the frames. The frames may be installed beneath the belt and removed from beneath the belt from one side of the conveyor belt. Installation and removal of the components require minimal side clearance beneath the belt. As a result, the support may be installed and removed with minimal interference from adjacent structures or fixtures beneath the belt.

Abstract: A tray for containers, such as beverage bottles, includes a base and a plurality of interior columns extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of columns extend upwardly along at least a portion of the periphery of the tray. Side walls extend along the sides of the tray and end walls extend along the ends of the tray, the end walls connected to the side walls by corner walls. The corner walls protrude upwardly higher than the side walls and end walls and include an opening at a lower edge thereof for receiving a corner portion of an identical tray nested therebelow. In another, independent feature, dividers and/or the walls include recesses along uppermost edges to reduce the overall footprint of the tray.

Abstract: A package for feminine hygiene articles. The package includes a refillable cabinet having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and a frame, the frame forming at least one feminine hygiene storage cavity having a frontward facing opening, and a plurality of replaceable drawers each containing a plurality of feminine hygiene articles and being slidingly installed within the feminine hygiene storage cavity.

Abstract: A retainer for a welding wire coil has a plurality of fingers (38) and a base element (32) with an upper surface (34) and a lower surface (36), the fingers (38) extending downwardly beyond the lower surface (36) of the retainer (12).

Abstract: A wafer container includes a container body, a door, and a purging valve, wherein the purging valve is disposed in the through hole of the container body. The purging valve includes a fixed sleeve body, a purging head, an elastic component, and a valve lid. The fixed sleeve body comprises a base, and a lower opening is formed at the center of the base for the purging head to be disposed therein. The purging head comprises a bottom portion and a hollow sleeve portion protruding upward from the bottom portion, wherein the hollow sleeve portion is surroundingly disposed with elastic component and with vent disposed on its circumference wall. The valve lid is disposed on top of the hollow sleeve portion so that the purging head can move from the first position to the second position inside the fixed sleeve body when being propped up by an upward force.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating plastic materials in accordance with their chemical composition, which is based on the difference in density of such materials. For this purpose, a flotation process which works with a flotation liquid that is put into vibration is used, the frequency of which is controlled in accordance with the density of the particles to settle. Heavier plastic particles settle on a perforated plate bottom and are removed to a collecting container filled with the same liquid to the same level as the flotation tank. Lighter plastic particles float to the surface and are fed into a follow-up flotation tank for further separation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for executing a money deposit transaction. During a money deposit transaction the state of the bank notes to be deposited is ascertained, bank notes being in a good state are made available to the depositor after the completion of the money deposit transaction, while bank notes being in an unsatisfactory state are withheld.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a screen. The apparatus comprising a cylindrical screen for submerging in a fluid, the screen having an inlet pipe for connecting to a piping system, filter members, a first end, a second and a support structure. The support structure is one or more helical members which traverse the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a through-one-end water collection type hollow fiber membrane and a method for manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, an internal sealing part is formed in the hollow part of the membrane at its free end. The internal sealing part supports an external sealing part surrounding the external surface of the free end such that the durability of the whole sealing part might be improved.

Abstract: A membrane for fluid separation made of a blend of at least a polyimide polymer and a polyimidazole polymer.

Abstract: A compound conduit containing inner and outer conduits with apertures in the former that are angled to direct jets of fluid in a rearward direction from the inner conduit into the annular space is used to draw sludge or undesirable material from a vessel without imposing a vacuum on the system. In conjunction with the compound conduit is a rotary tube seal that allows the conduit to be mounted to an orifice in a tank wall and pivoted or rotated over a range of angles. A tubing drive mechanism grasps the tubing at locations well removed from the distal end and causes the tubing to travel in the direction of the tubing axis. The gripping members in the mechanism engage the sides of the tubing and are capable of shifting position relative to each other to accommodate changes in the curvature of the tubing.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a telecommunications panel to a frame. The mounting arrangement including a fastener piece having a retaining clip and a corresponding threaded hole. The retaining clip expanding outward when a fastener is threaded into the corresponding threaded hole. The expanded retaining clip engaging openings formed in the frame to retain the telecommunications panel in a position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A mounting bracket configuration with two lower mounting locations and an optional upper mount and a flexibly resilient securement strap attachable thereto to securely retain a helmet such as those used by firefighters securely in place against a mounting surface such as the interior of the passenger compartment of an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck. The present apparatus also includes a bumper construction for protecting a user from being injured by the protruding upper hook while also preventing damaging of the helmet itself during mounting or removal. A release lanyard provided for easy release and engagement. The upper hook can attach to a fire helmet directly and/or to the securement strap.

Abstract: A muffler pipe storage rack may include an elongated support member having two ends and a longitudinal slot between the two ends. The longitudinal slot may have a width that is wider than the outer diameter of the widest of the tubular portions, but narrower than the width of the narrowest of the flanges. The longitudinal slot may have a length that is longer than the sum of the widths of all of the flanges. A first mounting bracket may be affixed to one end of the elongated support member and configured to clamp to a first substantially horizontal support and to suspend the one end of the elongated support member from the first substantially horizontal support. A second mounting bracket may be affixed to the other end of the elongated support member and configured to clamp to a second substantially horizontal support substantially parallel to the first substantially horizontal support and to suspend the other end of the elongated support member from the second substantially horizontal support.

Abstract: A hand tool rack has an elongated base bracket and multiple clamping elements. The base bracket has a baseboard and a rail bracket. The rail bracket is formed on and protrudes from the baseboard. The clamping elements are movably mounted on the rail bracket and each clamping element has a clamping arm and a tool mount. The clamping arm is slidably mounted and clamps on the rail bracket and has two holders. The tool mount is formed on and protrudes from the clamping arm and has a tool hole, a mounting slit and two recesses. The tool hole is formed through an upper surface and a lower surface of the tool mount. The mounting slit is formed through the upper surface, a front surface and the lower surface of the tool mount and communicates with the tool hole. The recesses are respectively formed in the sidewalls of the tool mount.

Abstract: A skateboard deck display system for efficiently displaying one or more skateboard decks. The skateboard deck display system generally includes a support base, a plurality of support members extending from the support base and aligned with the deck holes of a skateboard deck, and a plurality of T-nuts connected to the distal portion of the support members with an elongated portion of the T-nuts extending through the deck holes of the skateboard deck.

Abstract: A top hardware bar includes a body, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The body is elongate and defines a first end, a second, opposite end, a channel, and a plurality of holes disposed lengthwise along the body. The first bracket is secured to the first end of the body and is releasably secured to a first upright. The second bracket is adjustably secured within the channel at the second end of the body and is releasably secured to a second upright. A backer piece is secured to the body of the top hardware bar along a top portion of the backer piece such that the backer piece hangs from the top hardware bar A product fixture is then placed in front of the backer piece to support products, with the ends of the product fixture being attached to the first and second uprights, respectively.

Abstract: A ventilated shelf divider comprises a downwardly opening frame assembly including laterally diverging wire walls that are releasably mountable to laterally spaced shelf wires. Each of the wire walls includes a plurality of spaced legs that extending to couplers for gripping the shelf wires. The legs may be manually moved towards one another and positioned between the shelf wires, and, upon release, the legs bias the couplers into gripping engagement with the shelf wires.

Abstract: A modular display assembly for displaying merchandise includes a pair of opposite side members and a plurality of shelves adjustably mounted to the side members. The side members have forward and rearward facing edges, which include a plurality of protrusions spaced therealong. The shelf includes a mounting assembly, which includes a handle and first and second movable arms for mounting the shelf to the side members. The arms are configured to engage at least one of the protrusions to limit vertical movement along the side members when the arms are engaged with the edges of the side members. The shelf is positionable between the side members at a desired location and the handle is movable to move the arms into engagement with the forward and rearward facing edges to substantially clamp the side member between the arms and thus to fixedly secure the shelf to and between the side members.

Abstract: A control device and system for controlling a suspended load of a container crane with a trolley, a spreader and load lines arranged in a four point suspension for lifting a load and an optical sensor for sensing a deflection position of an orthogonal axis of a container suspended under the spreader. Two or more actuators are arranged attached to at least one load for moving at least one said suspension point closer to or farther away from an imaginary center line by shortening and/or lengthening the at least one load line.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing containers for receiving and preserving biological specimens comprising a plug that comprises at least one connecting means such that, after interlocking with the apparatus, access to contents of the apparatus necessarily brings about a physical transformation that is irreversible and can be ascertained by the naked eye of the container, and not of the plug, which physical transformation consists, e.g., but not necessarily, of a rupture or a tear of this means.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically sealing a cover of a beverage container comprises a body having an opening, at least a first magnetic member of a first polarity disposed on at least a first portion of the body and a second magnetic member of a second polarity, substantially opposite the first polarity, disposed on at least a second portion of the body, the first magnetic member magnetically retaining the second magnetic member in first and second positions, independent of mechanical assistance, to expose at least a portion of the opening to allow fluid flow to and from the container when in the first position and sealingly occlude the opening to prevent spillage when in the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container having an opening assembly apparatus and method having an advanced design for sealing the contents within the container after opening. The opening assembly includes a lid having a top and bottom side, the lid being attached to a receptacle for containing the beverage contents, and a recess located about the top side of the lid for facilitating the filling of the receptacle. An aperture is located about the recess and projecting from the aperture is an undulating flange on the bottom side of the lid. A closure member coactively engaging the aperture and recess to provide a sealing engagement by inserting a first portion of the closure member into the recess and a second portion of the closure member into the aperture and rotating the closure member from an opened position to a closed position. The closure member includes a breakable seal for providing security that the container is tamper free.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell and a lid fitted over the top end of the shell. The lid has a slidable lock member that is removably engaged to a portion of the shell to prevent the lid from being opened.

Abstract: The present invention is a top stand platform for furniture manufactured from beer kegs. The top stand platform has a first load distribution ring which circumvents the outlet opening at the center top of the keg at a level below the top flange of the outlet opening. Near its periphery, the first ring has a set of first threaded bolts extending downwardly onto the top surface of the keg. Also, the top stand platform comprises a second stand base ring, with a set of second threaded bolts which secure the second stand base ring to the top of the first load distribution ring. This way, the two first and second rings are clamped together and secured tightly to the flange of the outlet opening at the top of the keg. Secured to the top of the second stand base ring is an upwardly-extending base.

Abstract: A drinking vessel having one or more sensory enhancing features disposed within a circumferential region in close proximity of the rim of the drinking vessel, such as a wine glass, is provided. The sensory enhancing features are located on the vessel near the rim at such a location that, when a user places the vessel or glass to his or her mouth, the sensory enhancing features of the present invention first contact the sensitive nerve endings on the user's tongue. The designs are etched into or raised from the surface of the vessel and placed where the touch sensitive nerve endings on the tongue can be stimulated. Thus, the sensitive nerve endings on the tongue are stimulated such that a sense of touch is enhanced, and further the flow of saliva is also stimulated to enhance the sense of taste.

Abstract: A substantially moisture tight container and lid assembly for storing and packaging moisture-sensitive items comprising an assembly with a container and a lid, the lid is attached by a hinge to an upper housing portion of the container, the container has a container base, and a sidewall depending upwardly from the base, a top container surface extends inward from the sidewalls, the top container surface is provided with an opening that permits access to the interior of the container, the lid portion has a lid base with an outer periphery that extends over at least a portion of the container portion, the lid base is provided with a skirt that depends downwardly from the base portion, the skirt is configured at a location on the base portion that allows the skirt to enter into a sealing relationship with the container portion, the lid includes a member that depends downwardly from the lid, the member is configured to abut at least a portion of the interior side of the container when the lid is in the closed pos

Abstract: Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones.

Abstract: A universal collar that attaches to a pump and, in turn, a container used in a dispenser having a keyplate, the universal collar including: a first flange and a second flange, wherein the flanges extend radially outward and are axially spaced from each other for receiving the keyplate therebetween.

Abstract: An electric or battery powered hand tool, which dispenses a wide variety of semi-soft materials. It is held in one hand and dispenses the material by pressing a pressure sensitive flow-control button. The power of the motor is adjustable, depending upon the consistency of the product to be dispensed. The dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which are pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking and construction.

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: A sling clip is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed. The sling also includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second end is disclosed. The first end of the strap is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun as well as hand-held equipment such as a binocular or a camera.

Abstract: A gun cover with a securing assembly includes a waist plate at an inner side thereof; and an enclosure for defining a gun groove; the enclosure having an inner lateral plate and an outer lateral plate; the inner lateral plate having a through hole for receiving an elastic tenon which protrudes from an interior of the gun groove; the elastic tenon having a press portion; and the press portion being installed between the inner lateral plate and an inner side of the waist plate and projecting out of an upper side of the outer frame.

Abstract: A holster for securing a pistol having a barrel with a chamber, a muzzle, a slide having a front and rear portion, includes (a) an open-bottom enclosure sized to accommodate the slide, wherein a cavity defined in a front portion of the enclosure is sized to receive the muzzle but not allow the slide to enter therein; (b) a securing member pivotally attached within the enclosure near a rear portion thereof and shaped to correspondingly mate with a rear portion of the slide; (c) a lever disposed externally to the enclosure and attached via a connecting member to the securing member; (d) a spring disposed between an interior surface of the enclosure and the securing member; and (e) a protuberance extending from the interior surface of the enclosure and sized to be received into the chamber when the pistol is secured within the enclosure.

Abstract: A harness 10 for supporting at least two firearm accessories from a wearer's belt includes a primary support 20, a belt latch 22 for removably connecting the primary support to the belt, and a curvilinear rail 16 secured to the primary support opposite the belt latch for positioning about the thigh of the user. The rail 16 may support a handgun holster 12 and one or more other firearm accessories 14 each spaced along the rail. A strap 30 is provided for removably connecting the rail to the thigh of the wearer. A harness may also support a rail directly from the wearer's belt.

Abstract: A stapler is stacked on top of a roll-type tape dispenser. The tape dispenser top surface and the stapler base bottom surface have complemental three dimensional contours which cause the tape dispenser and stapler longitudinal axes to be in parallel relationship when the surfaces are in abutment, prevent relative displacement of the tape dispenser and the stapler when they are stacked and permit the stapler to be dismounted from the tape dispenser and rested for separate use on a flat surface in a stable condition.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a housing assembly having a nosepiece and a magazine assembly that is coupled to the housing assembly. The magazine assembly includes a canister configured to hold a plurality of collated fasteners. The fastening tool further includes a feeder pawl assembly coupled to the magazine assembly. The feeder pawl assembly includes a feed pawl and a spreader pawl. The feed pawl is movable in the feed direction to advance a first fastener into the nosepiece during a feed motion. The spreader pawl is adapted to locate between adjacent fasteners and resist movement of one of the adjacent fasteners in the feed direction during the feed motion.

Abstract: An air duster duct is formed to branch off at an intermediate portion along the length of an air duct which connects a compressed air supply source with a pneumatic tool. A valve mechanism having a selector valve and an operating device is provided at the branch portion. The sector valve can shift to a first position where the selector valve opens an upstream side duct which communicates with the air supply source to a downstream side duct which communicates with a nailing machine and shuts the upstream side duct relative to the air duster branch duct and a second position where the selector valve shuts the upstream side duct relative to the down stream side duct and opens the upstream side duct to the branch duct. The selector valve is operated from the outside by the operating device.

Abstract: A spring-energized stapler having a pliers type configuration, wherein papers and like items are fastened at a front end and the stapler is normally gripped and squeezed at a rear end. A compact mechanism and independent handle linkages provide a compact overall shape in a high efficiency action. An upper handle is pivoted at a front, top of a housing with a pressing area spaced at least one half the handle length away from the upper handle pivot. A lower handle includes a multi-segment cam link to a base to provide a minimal gripping distance with a large clamping force at an anvil. A simplified front-loading mechanism provides a compact, low cost assembly. A release latch holder is located behind the striker for a compact front end.

Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive gear, a drive motor, a shift motor and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The drive gear is disposed at least partially within the housing and is rotatable about a drive gear axis which extends therethrough. The drive gear is selectively movable along the drive gear axis. The drive motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to rotate the drive gear. The shift motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to move the drive gear along the drive gear axis. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion.

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. A buttress material including at least one aperture for receipt of the at least one projection at a first end of jaws and a tab configured to engage the at least one jaw at a second end thereof is also provided.