Abstract: An electrode wire for electro-discharge machining and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes preparing a wire rod, which includes a first metal and has a first diameter, as a core wire, plating a second metal on the core wire, performing a fine wire process for the core wire plated with the second metal so that the core wire has a second diameter, while forming a corrugation having a predetermined pattern on a surface of the core wire having a second diameter, and performing a heat treatment process to form a first alloy layer at a boundary surface between the core wire and the second metal through a mutual diffusion between the core wire and the second metal, and to form a second alloy layer at an outer portion of the first alloy layer through diffusion of the first metal toward the second metal.

Abstract: An electrode applicable to discharge surface treatment is produced. This method is comprised of: kneading a composition including an electrically conductive mixed matter including a first powder obtained by at least any process selected from the group consisting of an atomizing method, a reduction method, and a carbonyl method and a second powder obtained by a crushing method, and a binder, the electrically conductive mixed matter including the second powder at a ratio of 10-65 weight %; injecting the kneaded composition into a mold to produce a green body; heating the green body so as to remove the binder from the green body; and sintering the green body excepting the binder.

Abstract: There is provided a spot welding apparatus. The spot welding apparatus includes a pressing force actuator that causes a movable electrode to move to a pressing force applying position where the movable electrode applies a pressing force to a workpiece together with a fixed electrode, a control pressing force applying actuator that causes a receiving unit to move to a control pressing force applying position where the receiving unit is located adjacent to the fixed electrode and comes into contact with the workpiece so as to apply a control pressing force, and a welding transformer. The control pressing force applying actuator and the welding transformer are linearly aligned at a rear side of the pressing force actuator that is arranged at a front side of a support bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inspecting and repairing printed circuit boards includes an inspection functionality automatically inspecting printed circuit boards and providing a machine readable indication of regions thereon requiring repair. An automatic repair functionality employs the machine readable indication to repair the printed circuit boards at some of the regions thereon requiring repair. An automatic repair reformulation functionality automatically reinspects the printed circuit boards following an initial automatic repair operation, and provides to the automatic repair functionality a reformulated machine readable indication of regions thereon requiring repair.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing back contact solar cells that have improved efficiency and device electrical properties. the solar cell device described herein includes an Emitter Wrap Through (EWT) solar cell that has plurality of laser drilled vias disposed in a spaced apart relationship to metal gridlines formed on a surface of the substrate. Solar cell structures that may benefit from the invention disclosed herein include back-contact solar cells, such as those in which both positive and negative contacts are formed only on the rear surface of the device.

Abstract: There is provided a spot welding apparatus. The spot welding apparatus includes a fixed electrode and a movable electrode that clamp and press a workpiece formed of stacked plates of different rigidities, and a control pressing force applicator that causes a control pressing force applying actuator to bring a receiving unit provided at a distal end of a control pressing force applying arm into contact with the workpiece so as to apply a control pressing force to the workpiece. The control pressing force applying arm is made of a non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A flange section 12b protruding in a radial direction of a ball screw shaft 6a is formed at a lower end portion of the ball screw shaft 6a, and a protrusion stopper 12a which abuts on the flange section 12b to prevent the ball screw shaft 6a from protruding out of the rod 7 is formed in a hollow section of the rod 7. On the lower side of the hollow section of the rod 7, there is formed a retraction stopper 13a which abuts on a lower end portion 13b of the ball screw shaft 6a to limit the refraction of the rod 7.

Abstract: A joining machine for joining ends of successive strips in a strip treatment installation includes a device welding a first end of a strip to a second end of another strip, a first pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a first upper and a first lower clamping jaw gripping the first end of a strip, a second pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a second upper and a second lower clamping jaw gripping the second end of a strip, the clamping jaws holding and positioning the first end facing the second end for welding the ends together. At least two clamping jaws of the two pairs each include a part for contacting one of the ends to be welded to another end. The part has a geometry and at least one constituent material reducing a strength of eddy currents likely to be created in the clamping jaw by electromagnetic induction.

Abstract: An article of clothing including a garment body and a heating system coupled to the garment body. The heating system includes a plurality of heating zones configured to heat different portions of the garment body. A battery pack supplies power to the heating system. A controller selectively provides power from the battery pack to the multiple heating zones. A user input member is provided for selecting a mode of the controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of substrate supports with a heater are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support may include a first member to distribute heat to a substrate when present above a first surface of the first member; a heater coupled to the first member and having one or more heating zones to provide heat to the first member; a second member disposed beneath the first member; a tubular body disposed between the first and second members, wherein the tubular body forms a gap between the first and second members; and a plurality of substrate support pins disposed a first distance above the first surface of the first member, the plurality of substrate support pins to support a backside surface of a substrate when present on the substrate support.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including a temperature measuring part measuring a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat caused by power consumption or of a portion inside a housing that varies in temperature due to heat generation of the heat generation source; and an ambient temperature calculating part calculating a temperature by use of a predetermined relational formula that differs according to a model based on a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measuring part after the elapse of a first predetermined period of time from the start of constant power consumption by the heat generation source and a second temperature measured by the temperature measuring part further after the elapse of a second predetermined period of time as an ambient temperature of an environment in which the housing is placed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling temperatures of objects to be heated in a heating unit by adjusting a heating rate of each of a plurality of heating elements, based on temperature detection values detected at a plurality of temperature detection elements, wherein the plurality of temperature detection elements are positioned at different positions and the plurality of heating elements are positioned at different positions. The method includes estimating a temperature of each of the plurality of temperature detection elements by using a first estimation algorithm when one of the plurality of temperature detection elements is broken, based on the temperature detection values of the temperature detection elements excluding the broken temperature detection element, and controlling the temperatures of the objects to be heated based on the estimated temperatures.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly-reliable induction heating cooker capable of considerably reducing erroneous detection of boiling over of a cooking container generated at the time of cooking.

Abstract: The disclosed induction heating cooking device includes a boiling-over detection portion which is adapted to reduce heating output from an inverter to a pre-set value if the amount of change of a capacitance detected by a capacitance detection portion from a reference value (Vo) is equal to or more than an output reduction threshold value (?V2), and further is adapted to stop heating, if the amount of change is equal to or more than an output stop threshold value (?V3). In this case, the output stop threshold value is provided for each of the plurality of the electrodes, which can absorb impedance variations in the plurality of the electrodes formed through pattern printing using conductive films, thereby uniformizing their sensitivity to boiling over in any directions.

Abstract: A device for heating liquids, has a frame in which a container for receiving a liquid medium is arranged, wherein at least some sections of the container are formed of a current-conducting material. The device includes an induction unit generating a magnetic field. The induction unit is arranged outside the container such that it applies a magnetic field to at least one outside wall of the container. At least one section of the container is formed of a composite material, wherein one of the components contains aluminum and the second component contains a material different from aluminum.

Abstract: An inflatable, reusable cargo containing and protecting device suitable for use in shipping, inflatable by compressed air. A plurality of air chambers forms the exterior frame of the container. The air chambers may comprise material that is formable, pliable, foldable, abrasion resistant, and which can be used to form airtight structures. A high strength, foldable, pliable material in a webbed or solid format forms the interior. The non-rigid material may be stitched, epoxied, chemically welded, or otherwise attached to the air chambers. A user may store a large number of the devices in a deflated and folded state, requiring only minimal space. When required, the devices are inflated, packed and shipped. At the receiving end, the devices may be deflated and folded for storage or return, either way taking advantage of the low weight and small volume required.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting core samples includes an outer tube having an open end and a cover removably mounted to the open end; a core tube slidable into and out of the outer tube when the cover is removed from the outer tube; and a stabilizing structure between the core tube and the outer tube, the stabilizing structure supporting the core tube within the outer tube with the core tube spaced from contact with an inner wall of the outer tube.

Abstract: A rotary airtight container having a body, a lid that covers the opening of the body, a cover plate connected to the underside of the lid, a lifting mechanism for driving the cover plate to move with respect to the lid, a circumferential cone-shaped seal ring positioned all around the lid, and a tapered annular interface that on the bottom of the lid and engages the seal ring. As the lifting mechanism drives the cover plate to lift relative to the lid, the cone-shaped seal ring lifts relative to the lid and moves upwards along the tapered annular interface to seal the space between the tapered annular interface and the opening of the container, thus isolating the inside of the container from outside. This container changes the ordinary way of sealing that uses a locking nut for tightly pressing on the opening of the container, and is easier to operate.

Abstract: A bezel assembly includes a panel, a shielding member attached to the panel, and a resilient member located between the panel and the shielding member. The panel includes a driving portion. The resilient member includes a mounting arm, an abutting arm, and a resilient portion connected to the mounting arm and the abutting arm. The abutting arm includes a free end, and the driving portion is adapted to urge the abutting arm to deform the resilient portion.

Abstract: A can end comprises a center panel having a diameter, a geometric center lying on a transverse axis of symmetry of the center panel, and a score line defining a periphery of a tear panel, a lift tab having a nose portion and a lift portion opposite the nose portion, the nose portion configured to contact the tear panel as the lift portion is lifted so as to rupture the score line and swing the tear panel out of a plane of the center panel, thereby defining a tear panel aperture for accessing the contents of a can to which the can end is attached, and a rivet attaching the lift tab to the center panel and permitting the nose portion and lift portion to pivot out of the plane of the center panel. The rivet is located on a first side of the transverse axis of symmetry, and the tear panel is located substantially on a second side of the transverse axis of symmetry opposite the first side.

Abstract: A tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a scoreline defining a tear panel in the end panel for providing an opening in the can end. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion located at or about the first end, a lift portion located at or about the second end, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A first rivet extends outwardly from the end panel and fastens the rivet receiving portion of the tab to the can end. A second rivet extends outwardly from the end panel to cooperate with a portion of the body proximate the lift portion.

Abstract: A lock ring for securing a lid to a container has a ring shaped body with a first end and a second end. A clamping pin is exposed near the first end and a lever is connected near the second end and has a hook thereon configured to engage the clamping pin. The lever is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The hook is configured to selectively engage the clamping pin and draw the first and second ends to one another with the lever moved to the closed position and capable of disengaging the clamping pin the lever in the open position. The body, lever, and lock pin are integrally formed of a one-piece unitary structure and the lever is connected via a living hinge to the body.

Abstract: A metal container having a metal and a metal bottom that slide relative to one another along a sliding axis is provided. The metal container includes a plastic lid insert attached to the metal lid and a plastic bottom insert attached to the metal bottom that operably couple the metal lid to the metal bottom and provide the structures allowing for a relative sliding motion between the metal lid and the metal bottom.

Abstract: A housing includes a cover, a plurality of foot pads and a plurality of couplers. Each of the plurality of foot pads is fixed on a corresponding one of the couplers and each of the couplers is pivotable about the cover. The cover defines a plurality of first receiving portions and a plurality of second receiving portions for receiving the plurality of couplers and the plurality of foot pads. Each of the plurality of foot pads and each of the plurality of couplers rotates relative to the cover to selectively receive the foot pad and the coupler in the first receiving portion and in the second receiving portion, so as to suspend the housing from a wall and to place the housing on a supporting surface.

Abstract: An improved structure of trashcan includes an outer can with a controllable upper cover. The upper cover has a connecting hole with a stepping part that moves downward in the outer can when being stepped. A base is at the bottom of the upper cover. First, second, third, and fourth tracks surround the stepping part at symmetrical positions of the base. Each track accommodates a restoring assembly that connects to the stepping part so that the stepping part can restore its original position after the stepping part moves to the bottom of the trashcan. The first track and the second track are stacked vertically. The third track and the fourth track are also stacked vertically. This configuration decreases the area occupied by the base. As a result, the stepping area of the stepping part is increased for the user's convenience to step on.

Abstract: The material container disclosed in present application, comprises a cylindrical body with end covers attached to its ends. Multiple holes are distributed across the end covers. A movable sliding rack is located inside the cylindrical body. The axial direction of movable sliding rack coincides with the axial direction of the cylindrical body. The movable sliding rack has at least two hollow columns which axis is in the same direction of the axis of movable sliding rack. Any two neighboring hollow columns are isolated by their walls. Water can be timely added into the cylindrical body through the holes, without damaging material container due to water pressure. Turning around one end cover allows the cylindrical body to be opened for food materials conveniently loading or unloading. It provides quicker loading and unloading for cup or bottle packed materials with the movable sliding rack, utilizing the space inside the cylindrical body efficiently.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fuel tank including a thermoplastic wall and a fibrous reinforcement on at least one portion of its outer surface, according to which: a molten thermoplastic parison is molded in a mold and is left to cool in order to obtain a wall of the tank; a fibrous reinforcement is chosen that includes a thermoplastic similar to or compatible with that of the wall of the tank and the reinforcement is heated so as to soften or even melt the thermoplastic of the reinforcement; and the reinforcement is applied to an outer surface of the tank by exerting a force that makes it possible to weld the reinforcement and the outer surface.

Abstract: A fuel tank has a fuel tank body with an upper wall and a lower wall, an upper recess formed in the upper wall and a lower recess formed in the lower wall, and at a cover that seals the one of the upper recess or the lower recess. The upper recess and the lower recess extend into the fuel tank. Soles of the upper recess and the lower recess are abutted against each other and joined to form a first joint.

Abstract: An oil storage tank includes a step member, a first tank part and a second tank part. The step member has a placement face. The first tank part is disposed below the step member to support the step member. The second tank part is coupled to the first tank part and has an user face a lower face, a first side face, a second side face and a recessed section. The upper face is provided above the placement face. The first side face faces the first tank part and is connected to the upper face and the lower face. The second side face is connected to the upper face, the lower face and the first side face. The recessed section is firmed by a sloped face provided to a corner portion at which the upper face, the first side face and the second side face intersect.

Abstract: A tray for use during painting includes a stair adaptor for leveling the tray along stairs and maintaining the tray on a workbench. The tray body has at least one utility recess defined therein for situating paint cans, paint stirrers, and paint brushes. A roller tray is further defined within the tray body. A front cut-out is defined along the front which is well-suited to allow the tray to be secured to a workbench by way of workbench swivel pegs. Slots are defined within the underside traveling an entire width of the tray body. A stair adaptor is adapted to engage the slots. As a result, upon placement of the tray body on an upper step of a stairway the stair adaptor levels the tray while the base of the stair adaptor rests on an adjacent lower step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen device, namely a cooking vessel to be used with a cooking utensil. The cooking vessel is adapted to hold the utensil by the stem in order to suspend the cooking implement of the utensil above the container of the cooking vessel. More particularly, the cooking vessel comprises a container having a bottom surface, and a handle extending from the container. The handle has an opening for receiving the stem of the utensil, the opening having a predetermined shape for cooperating with the stem to temporarily hold the stem so that the cooking implement of the utensil hangs above the bottom surface of the container. There is also provided a cooking assembly comprising the cooking vessel and the utensil. There is also provided a handle to be joined to a cooking vessel, as well as a utensil to be used with the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are suitable for use in the manufacture of two-piece metal containers. In particular, a way of making cups from metal sheet is disclosed using a combination of stretching and drawing operations. The resulting cups have the advantage of having a base thickness that is thinner relative to the ingoing gauge of the metal sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are suitable for use in the manufacture of two-piece metal containers. In particular, a press is disclosed which makes cup sections from metal sheet using a combination of drawing and stretching operations. The cups resulting from the press have the advantage of having a base thickness that is thinner relative to the ingoing gauge of the metal sheet.

Abstract: A packaging for a tea pouch, a method of making the packaging, and a tea pouch made from the packaging are disclosed. The packaging includes a paper substrate and a coextrusion including an ethylene vinyl alcohol layer. The ethylene vinyl alcohol layer is directly attached to the paper substrate. Packaging of this type exhibits excellent barrier properties, may be heat sealed under pressure to form a tea pouch without substantial amounts of squeeze out, and does not present the cost or disposal issues associated with some other types of packaging.

Abstract: A container having a container body extending between first and second opposed ends. The first end includes a dispensing means, the second end has a removable cap having a second end surface of the container and being connectable to the container by a connector spaced apart from a bottom of the second end surface. A method for opening the container comprising removing an annular frangible portion around a radius of a container body of the container, and removable separating end cap opposite a dispensing portion from the container such that the end cap forms a cup shape having an upright wall separating a bottom wall of the container and a connector for connecting to the container body for holding a portion of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A drink-through plastic lid is injection molded in one piece to define a rim structure which snaps onto the rim of a cup and an asymmetric crown having a drink-through opening formed at the high point of an outer deck. An integral hinged flap with a C-shaped seal lip on the inside surface can lock by means of said lip into the drink-through opening when in one condition. The flexible outer edges of the flap latch into a lock-back recess which interrupts an intermediate inner deck formed between the outer crown deck and the floor of a well in the interior area of the lid.

Abstract: Bucket tool organizers useful for transporting and storing tools and other utensils are disclosed. A bucket tool organizer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include a bucket mounted tool carrier adapted to contour about a container such as a bucket or pail, and a tool insert situated within the interior of the container. The bucket mounted tool carrier may include a number of pockets located on both an interior and exterior panel member that can be used to store objects therein. The tool insert may include a contoured holster situated within the interior of the container to store larger items such as power tools or the like.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for pourable food or drink products, comprising: a receptacle for accommodating a pourable food or drink product, comprising an opening; and a closure means for closing the opening, comprising a closure member, mounted across the opening, having at least one outlet, and a stop member mounted to confront the outlet, the closure member being resiliently deformable, by the pressing action of a user, from a first condition in which the outlet is spaced from the stop member and the food or drink product may be poured through the outlet to a second condition in which the outlet has been moved inwardly to a position in which it is closed off by the stop member.

Abstract: Provided as a drug dispensing system comprising a cabinet and at least one cartridge. A cabinet has opposing door portions which are hingedly attached to one another and which are configured to be closable against one another such as via a lock member. Each one of the door portions includes at least one shelf which defines a shelf depth and which has an upwardly turned lip extending along the length of the shelf. The cartridge has a cartridge depth that is sized to be complementary to the shelf depth such that the cartridge may be retained by the lip when the cartridge is stored on the shelf. Each one of the cartridges is configured to store a plurality of vials. A punch-out is disposed in a lower end of the cartridge and through which the vials may be dispensed from the cartridge.

Abstract: A spring alignment mechanism utilizes a guide inserted into the rear of a retail-ready display carton. The guide is inserted below merchandise items, so that a spring-driven rear pull member engages the rear-most merchandise item. The pull member travels on the guide so that as items are removed from the carton, remaining items are pulled forward in the display carton. This system facilitates the use of retail-ready packaging, so that cartons of merchandise items may be placed on a shelf without removing the individual items.

Abstract: A package having a sanitary dispenser is depicted and described. The package generally includes a dispenser that is sealed from environmental contaminants by a feature or portion of the package. The sealed dispenser portion of the package is accessed prior to use and the user is able to access the contents of the package through the sanitary dispenser. The dispenser may be inverted prior to use and deployed prior to use. A frangible portion may be provided to the dispenser. The dispenser may be re-sealable in the package. A straw may further be provided to the dispenser and be deployable by the user for access to the package contents.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for configuring portion control for a dispenser apparatus. A plurality of beverage ingredients may be associated with the dispenser apparatus, and a plurality of selectable beverages may be formed from the plurality of beverage ingredients. Input for one or more preferences associated with portion control may be received. Stored information associated with at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be accessed. At least one portion control for at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be determined based at least in part on at least a portion of the received input and at least a portion of the accessed information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the level of particulate material in a container and providing a human perceivable signal when the material reaches a predetermined reduced level as it is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing device (300) is provided that comprises housing (360) having a grooved base (320) and configured to accommodate a container (10); cutting-pushing element (40) that comprises cutting-pushing base (48) slidably held by groove (322), push plate (42), at least one blade (44) comprising a sharp edge (45), and at least one tooth (47). A force transmitting element (370) is further coupled to the cutting and pushing element base. Movement of the cutting-pushing element forwards, toward the nozzle (11), by employment of the force transmitting element, inserts the push-plate into the container, so as to push the viscous material (16) out of the nozzle, and cuts lengthwise the container. Moreover, movement of the cutting-pushing element backwards, away from the nozzle, by release of the force transmitting element, allows at least one tooth to engage and pull the container backwards into the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container assembly for use with a reusable urn or vessel. The assembly includes a (1) flexible pouch, (2) a fitment connected to the pouch and having a flexible flange and a first fluid passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber, (3) a tubing adapter having a first end connected to the fitment and a second end having a member for connecting to a tubing and a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; and (4) wherein the flexible flange is capable of bending to conform to an interior wall of the urn or vessel to place the second fluid passageway in alignment with an axis of a through hole in the urn or vessel.

Abstract: Rechargeable containers and dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including structures such as strips, pouches, pills, capsules and the like for providing concentrates of chemical agents for charging or recharging the spray bottle dispenser, preferably, individual chemical refill charges containing chemical concentrate are deployed within the spray bottle dispenser to fully contain any inadvertent spillage of chemicals, and to insure a high degree of safety against accidental spills or ingestion. The device is specifically designed for reuse, having a wider opening which is easier to fill, clean and refill without spills, readily accommodates concentrate inserts in any format, minimizes trigger failure, and has a wide base for stability.

Abstract: A system comprises an automatic mixing and dispensing device for a dental substance, and a material container. The mixing and dispensing device comprises a reservoir for receiving the dental substance, and first and second pressure plates. The material container has first and second material chambers for containing components of a material. The first and second material chambers have first and second cross-sectional chamber areas. At least one of the first and second cross-sectional chamber areas is smaller than smallest surface area of the first and second pressure plates. The system helps facilitating preparation and handling of dental materials.

Abstract: A valve for distributing two fluids contained in a rigid flask by propulsion, the first fluid contained in a first flexible pouch, and the second fluid in the flask so as to be isolated from the first fluid before the fluid leaves through the valve. When the valve is placed on the flask, an internal part of the valve is inside the flask, an external part of the valve is outside the flask. A first passage which can be closed connects the inside of the first pouch and the space surrounding the external part of the valve, and a second passage which can also be closed connects the space intended to receive the second fluid and the space surrounding the external part of the valve. The valve has a second flexible pouch for receiving the second fluid, which is fixed to the valve and placed around the first pouch.

Abstract: A miniature dispenser for dispensing fluid materials such as liquids or powders. The dispenser has a body which contains a piston and a material reservoir which is separable from the body and contains the fluid material. The material reservoir includes the passages, valves, and nozzles through which the material being dispensed flows and also includes an integral collapsible material container. A user may assemble the body to different material reservoirs and each material reservoir may be tailored to the properties of the material it contains. The dispenser is small enough to be worn as part of a bracelet or to be dipped to a pocket, belt, backpack, or purse.