Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system is also disclosed herein. The foam dispenser has an air compressor secured thereto and the air compressor is not disposed of with the refill unit. The refill unit includes a liquid pump and a container for holding a foamable liquid that is connected to the liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a pump housing and a mixing chamber having an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. The mixing chamber has an extended position with a first volume and a contracted position with a second volume. The pump housing includes an aperture therethrough configured to receive air from an air compressor that does not form part of the refill unit. One or more one-way sealing members are located within the pump housing between the aperture and the mixing chamber for preventing liquid from passing through the aperture in the pump housing for receiving air.

Abstract: A dispenser has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing substance, and a dispensing portion defining a dosage chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber. A first valve includes a valve seat and a flexible valve cover seated thereon defining a normally-closed fluid-tight seam therebetween. The valve cover relative to moves from the valve seat to allow substance through the seam and out of the dispenser. A second valve allows substance from the storage chamber into the dosage chamber and substantially prevents flow from the dosage chamber into the storage chamber. An actuator is manually movable between (i) a first non-actuated position, and (ii) a second actuated position extending into the dosage chamber for compressing a dose of substance therein, dispensing substance through the first valve. The elasticity of the actuator causes it to return to the first non-actuated position upon manually releasing the actuator.

Abstract: A container (1) with a portion dispensing device for dispensing portions of a product from the container. The container has a main reservoir (2) for storage of product. The portion dispensing device comprises a variable volume product chamber (30) and associated restoring means. The variable volume product chamber (30) has a product outlet and an outlet valve (45). The product chamber also has a product inlet in communication with the main reservoir (2) and an inlet valve. The variable volume product chamber (30) has a volume that is reduced upon increased pressurization of product in the main reservoir (2) of the container (1), and that is increased, at when the increased pressurization of product in the main reservoir (2) of the container (1) is removed. The inlet valve (60) closes the product inlet upon increase of pressurization of the product in the main reservoir (2) so that product passes from the chamber via the product outlet.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of powdered material, such as baby formula, from a powdered material container having a removable cap that can be quickly and easily interconnected with the dispenser. The dispenser can accommodate formula bottles of various sizes and includes a dispensing plunger that provides an oscillating action to prevent compaction of the formula and functions to ensure even dispensing of the formula into the formula bottle. Uniquely, the improved dispenser includes a strategically positioned vibration motor that controllably vibrates the powdered material container in a manner to also prevent compaction and clumping of the powdered material contained within the powdered material container.

Abstract: Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect of the subject invention, an evaporation-reduction feature is provided, wherein a pump having an actuator with a nozzle is provided with a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a check valve element return feature is provided wherein a valve seat is located along the pump's internal fluid passage with a plurality of delectable spring arms extending therefrom being deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element away from the valve seat. In a third aspect, a complaint shut-off valve feature is provided. In a fourth aspect, a fluid trapping well is provided, wherein fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump to communicate directly with the pump inlet.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid, having an elongated outer casing (10) provided with a substantially cylindrical inner chamber (11); an inner cartridge (20), for insertion into the inner chamber (11) and including a plunger (21) movable axially along a longitudinal axis A-A of an inner reservoir (22) towards an outlet (28). The device also includes a coil assembly (12, 23, 24) having an outer coil (12), an inner coil (23) and an inner coil core (24). The outer coil (12) is provided on the outer casing (10) and axially oriented along the chamber longitudinal axis. And, the inner coil (23) is provided in the inner cartridge (20) attached to the movable plunger (21). The invention also relates to the corresponding method for delivering fluid.

Abstract: A valve device for a pasty food product volumetric metering apparatus, and to a volumetric metering apparatus. Both apparatuses have a valve body (1) with a cavity (2) having a first radial opening (3) connected to an inlet conduit (6), a second axial opening (4) connected to a metering chamber (7), and a third radial opening (5) connected to an outlet conduit (8), a plug (9) rotatably arranged inside said cavity (2), and a driver (10, 11) for moving the plug (9) between first and second positions. The plug (9) has an outer surface (12) and an oblique surface (13). In the first position, the oblique surface (13) faces the first and second openings (3, 4) and the outer surface (12) shuts the third opening (5), and in the second position, the oblique surface (13) faces the second and third openings (4, 5) and the outer surface (12) shuts the first opening (3).

Abstract: Plastic aerosol container having a thermally crystallized neck finish configured to receive an aerosol valve assembly and an expanded strain oriented aerosol container body integral with the neck finish. A junction between the thermally crystallized neck finish and the strain oriented container body defines a pull point at which strain orientation begins.

Abstract: An actuator includes a conduit and first and second tabs protruding from the conduit. Each tab includes a first angled face and a first flat face disposed adjacent a first end of the tab and a second angled face and a second flat face disposed adjacent a second end of the tab.

Abstract: A method of dispensing includes the steps of exerting a force on an actuator of a dispenser having a conduit with an inlet and an outlet in a first non-actuation state, to place the actuator in a second actuation state. When the actuator is in the second actuation state, the inlet and the outlet of the actuator are moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Underwater drinking apparatus comprises a hollow body with a sidewall between proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the housing including a fluid passageway functioning as a mouthpiece. A liquid-holding container removably connected to the body enables the liquid to flow from the container and into the hollow body. A piston slideably disposed in the body has a proximal end configured to seal off the fluid passageway. A spring within the body is operative to bias the piston toward the proximal end of the body to seal off the fluid passageway when not in use. The spring is preferably disposed between the distal end of the piston and an end cap threaded to the distal end of the body. A mechanism is coupled to the piston through the body providing a manually operated control enabling a user to move the piston against the spring.

Abstract: A storage chest for sewing materials comprises a plurality of tiers (2, 4, 6, 8) at least one of which can retain a number of individual materials in fixed positions. Cotton reels are preferably retained on dowels the height of which relative to the tier spacing allows reels to be removed. Tiers (4, 6, 8) may be supported on a central pillar supported on the base tier (2). The pillar comprises pillar sections (26, FIG. 4) having a base portion (28) with an internal thread corresponding to a threaded cylindrical portion (32) such that two sections (26) can be screwed together sandwiching between them a support plate (48, FIG. 7) and tier (4, 6). Knobs (36, 38, FIGS. 5 & 6) may secure the pillar and top and bottom tiers together. Parts of two part cover (52, 54, FIG. 8) may be slid over the tiers when located on the pillar. Upper part (52) of the cover may include accessory box (60).

Abstract: A connection assembly is described that may be used to snap fit and lock together a channel containing member to other members. One embodiment described is use of the connection assembly to snap fit and lock together a roof rack accessory rack or item to fit roof rack crossbar on a vehicle.

Abstract: A suspended cup holder comprising a support ring hanging from a plurality of elastic ring suspenders, and a basket suspended from the support ring by a plurality of elastic basket suspenders. The bottom of each ring suspender is attached to the ring, and the top of each ring suspender is attached to a support bracket. The support bracket is configured to attach the cup holder to a bicycle or hand cart. The elastic ring suspenders are any elastic member configured to support the support ring under the load of the beverage container. The support ring is a rigid or semi-rigid ring providing annular suspension support to the basket. The elastic basket suspenders are disposed circumferentially around the support ring and around the top of the basket. The basket is cylindrical in shape, the top being open to removably receive the beverage container, and the bottom having a base to provide vertical support to the beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention is an extendable support device utilized with a pick-up truck that includes a cargo bed with a back that includes a trailer hitch, an adjustable horizontal member, an adjustable vertical member and an adjustable width member. There is also a pair of brake lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member and a pair of signal lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member.

Abstract: A system is described for hooking and unhooking a carrier bag with respect to the tank of a motorcycle. The system comprises a first group of components suitable to be fixed to the carrier bag and a second group of components suitable to be fixed to the tank. The first group of components comprises a flexible ring provided with a plurality of locking teeth elastically projecting inwards of such a flexible ring. The locking teeth are coupled with an annular flange of the second group of components to obtain the hooking of the carrier bag to the tank. On the flexible ring there is a hand-driven mechanism for the radial retraction of the locking teeth to generate a radial displacement of such locking teeth, allowing disengagement between the flexible ring and the annular flange and, hence, obtaining the disengagement of the carrier bag from the tank.

Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield of a vehicle and a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield. A structure is attached at the receiving structure. With the structure attached at the receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and the cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera. At least one of the individual sensors may (a) receive an input via a bus communication and/or (b) deliver an output via a bus communication. With the structure attached at the receiving structure, at least one of the individual sensors may be removable from the structure for service. At least one of the sensors may view through the windshield via a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at the windshield.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holder apparatus for mounting a portable media device in a vehicle. The holder apparatus includes a holder member to which the portable media device is detachably mounted, a mounting bracket member mounted to a side of audio equipment of a vehicle and to which the holder member is connected, and a connection member connecting the holder member and the mounting bracket member.

Abstract: A sports ball collection, transport and combination sports goal device is provided, comprising a set of hingedly attached frame members and an internal netted bag attached thereto. The frames are rounded sections of tubular material that are connected at their terminal ends at two hinge devices. The hinges allow the rounded frame sections to be opened and closed with respect to one another, providing access to the internal netting or closure thereof. In an open configuration, the frames provide a structure to hold the netted bag in an open position, wherein balls may easily be placed into the bag. In a closed position, the frame members mate together to form a closed bag and handled device for improved carrying and transport of the device and sports ball contained therein. In an alternate configuration, the frames may be positioned to act as a sports goal for recreational purposes, or to facilitate entry of sports balls within the bag cavity.

Abstract: Process for removing peripheral portions such as bead regions of a glass sheet including a step of pushing the glass sheet in the peripheral portion using a pushing mechanism such as a pushing bar, and corresponding apparatus. As a result of the use of the pushing mechanism, the engagement completion time for suction cups, if used, are reduced significantly. A process without using suction cups is enabled with enhanced yield. The increased process stability and enlarged process window are particularly advantageous for processing glass sheets having high flexibility.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a power source including a cylinder, a piston with a driver blade reciprocating in the cylinder, a tool nose associated with the power source for receiving the driver blade for driving fasteners fed into the nose, and a magazine housing a supply of the fasteners. A magazine feeder mechanism is associated with the magazine for sequentially feeding fasteners into the nose, and the feeder mechanism includes a reciprocating feed piston. A conduit is connected between a port in the cylinder and the feed mechanism for diverting combusted gas for activating the feed piston. The port is disposed in the cylinder a specified distance below a piston prefiring position, the distance being reflective of a delay of activating the feed piston until the drive piston finishes a driving stroke and begins a return to the prefiring position.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue including a cartridge receiving half-section defining an elongated channel member configured to releasably receive a stationary housing of a firing assembly. The stationary housing is dimensioned to releasably receive a single use loading unit therein, and includes a lockout structure that prevents insertion of the stationary housing into the cartridge receiving half-section if the single use loading unit is not mounted in the stationary housing.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section and a cartridge-receiving half-section including an elongated channel member having a pair of opposed openings defined through sidewalls thereof. A disposable assembly including a single use loading unit and a single use firing unit is configured to be releasably supported within the cartridge-receiving half-section. The disposable assembly includes a stationary housing for supporting the firing unit which includes a distal extension for supporting the single use loading unit. The stationary housing includes a pair of flared tabs configured to be releasably received within the openings of the cartridge-receiving half-section to releasably engage the disposable assembly within the cartridge-receiving half-section.

Abstract: A modular end effector delivers a therapeutic agent onto tissue that has been severed and/or stapled. The end effector is removably attached to a device. The device applies force to a piston of the end effector. The force causes a distal movement of a piston along a wall disposed within the end effector. The piston engages with agents stored on opposite sides of the wall, moving the agents distally to a mixture space. The agents are mixed in the mixture space and expelled through a tip. Staples may be embedded in or disposed below a foam block, which is disposed within a staple cartridge. Via an endoscopic stapling device, coated staples are driven through tissue while interacting with another agent on the device or the cartridge. The interaction forms a tissue restoring material that is applied onto the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes a cartridge receiving half-section defining an elongated channel member configured to releasably receive a stationary housing of a firing assembly. The stationary housing is dimensioned to releasably receive a single use loading unit therein, and includes a lockout structure that prevents insertion of the single use loading unit into the stationary housing after the stationary housing is mounted to the cartridge receiving half-section.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for applying tissue fasteners is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body that extends from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted on the end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly for receiving the tissue fasteners and a housing assembly for receiving a looped member. The tool assembly is configured to advance the tissue fasteners into the looped member to secure tissue between the fasteners and the looped member.

Abstract: A head for a stapler used during a mucosectomy is disclosed that includes an external body, an internal body, an anvil, and a blade. The internal body includes a central hole into which a rod is slidingly inserted. One or more annular grooves are formed on a lateral surface of the rod, and are intended to receive a portion of mucosa which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod. By retracting the rod in the central hole of the internal body, the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal body.

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: A method for forming a joint between a tube and a sheet includes forming an anvil at least within the tube, and welding the tube to the sheet in the presence of the anvil. The anvil includes an anchor which is placed within the tube near or at the joint to be formed. At least one washer is placed over the end of the anchor that is near the joint to be formed. A threaded fastener is then placed into the anchor to securely hold the anchor within the tube and to provide a backing substantial enough so that a friction stir weld can be formed. The threaded fastener and the washer can be used as a guide for the friction stir weld. Once the weld is completed, the anvil can be removed. The weld can be further processed to remove burrs and other material.

Abstract: A friction stir welding method of manufacturing a metallic housing including electronic device housing is described as follow. A first workpiece and a second workpiece made of metal are provided. The first workpiece is attached to the second workpiece. A joining tool is provided, which includes a shaft shoulder and a stir pin extending from a friction surface of the shaft shoulder. A diameter of the shaft shoulder is in a range from about 8 mm to about 15 mm. The first workpiece and the second workpiece are stirred and rubbed by rotating the joining tool, thereby forming the electronic device housing. The electronic device housing is anodized.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of forming a bonded structure is provided. The method may include forming at least one first under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure on a first substrate, forming a first gold layer on the at least one first under bump metallurgy structure; forming a tin layer on the first gold layer, forming an indium layer on the tin layer, forming an inhibition layer configured to inhibit oxygen penetration on the indium layer, and forming at least one second under bump metallurgy structure on a second substrate, forming s second gold layer on the at least one second under bump metallurgy structure; and bringing the inhibition layer into contact with the second gold layer at a predetermined temperature to form a resultant intermetallic structure between the first substrate and the second substrate thereby bonding the first substrate to the second substrate and forming the bonded structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reinforced box structures. A blank for forming a pre-stiffened box structure is provided. The blank comprises a box portion having a base and side panels for providing a box structure, a stiffening panel extending integrally from a given one of the side panels, and a line of weakness delimiting the stiffening panel from said given side panel. The blank is operable into a pre-stiffened configuration wherein the given side panel is folded to position the stiffening panel to substantially overlap and be secured to the base of the box portion. When the folded side panel is pivoted about the line of weakness, a free end of the side panel is biased away from the secured stiffening panel and thereby separates from the stiffening panel along the line of weakness.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to a collection of related binary files via a collection of machine-recognizable codes provided on a device or consumer item.

Abstract: An identification card (ID card) creation and validation system where the ID card includes at least one unambiguous digital identifier together with additional information stored in predetermined data fields. Upon creation, the ID card is scanned to create and store a composite digital image in a central database on a secured server. On presentation by a user to a human operator-gatekeeper, the ID card is scanned and encoded and the encoded data sent to a central database where it is compared with the stored image information of that ID card to positively identify the user using the unambiguous digital information. If the user is positively identified, the encoded data is compared with the stored data to generate to identify and transmit any anomalies to the gatekeeper, thereby allowing the gatekeeper to exercise independent judgment in allowing or denying admission privileges to the presenter.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods that operate to customize content or other information indicated by symbolic marks (such as, for example, QR codes and other types of barcodes).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for anonymously relaying personal relationship status of single men or single women desirous of a relationship, as a signal or invitation for contact by potential suitors for matchmaking while facilitating a private, secure point of contact or communications between Client-Users and Prospect-Users. A unique coding system of Visual Identifiers of the present invention, recognizable however undecipherable outside of a private, paid membership, secure computer network facilitates a plurality of Client-User defined levels of communication or exchange of information ranging from denial of contact to electronic messaging, audio chat, video chat or face to face conversation with a potential suitor or Prospect-User in a non-virtual or virtual environment is provided.

Abstract: A system, method and credit card configured to display a current card balance on the credit card. The credit card receives a balance request from a button on the card. After retrieving the current card balance encoded on the credit card, the card displays the current card balance. Remote terminals may be configured to support the real-time display of a balance on a credit card by writing the current balance to the card after a payment transaction has occurred.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An information providing system includes the following elements. An IC card stores card ID. An information providing terminal reads out the card ID of the IC card, provides information to the IC card, and transmits the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the ID of the provided information to a management server. The management server receives the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the provided information ID from the information providing terminal, has a database to manage the card ID and the provided information such that the card ID is associated with the provided information, acquires the information provided to the IC card from the database in response to an information request from a client terminal, and supplies the provided information to the client terminal. The client terminal displays the provided information supplied from the management server.

Abstract: An apparatus and system provides instructions to correctly stock a product, provides a next task upon completion of the stocking, and updates an inventory database based on completion of the stocking. A label on a product or set of products is scanned. The type of the label is determined and the product is identified. Based on the identification, a location is determined and provided through audio output. Confirmation of the stocking is received.

Abstract: A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a set of stickers that encapsulates the account numbers on a credit card, debit card, gas card, or in general bank card to conceal the information for security purposes. The stickers, or guards, are designed to be tamper proof to ensure that no one else can be remove it, or if someone did, the owner would promptly realize and be able to take action. In addition to that, the device of the present invention includes a second circular sticker that is designed to encapsulate and protect the RFID chip on the card; thus, preventing it from being read while it is in the wallet, pocket, or purse.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an RFID inventory and expiration date tag for an in-cabin airline metal chemical oxygen generator canister or other in-cabin assets (such as canisters) and a method of using the same. The tag is especially suitable for use in connection with metal oxygen or other gaseous metal canisters used in the aerospace industry. The RFID tag allows for the rapid, efficient, accurate, frequent and easy monitoring of the expiration date of the oxygen generator. The tag has a plurality of stacked layers including layers of polypropylene, polyester, UHF Inlay, fire retardant polypropylene and an acrylic adhesive. The tag extends directly outward from the generator at a tangent to approximately a ninety degree angle with respect to the generator.

Abstract: An identification system for machinery or equipment, such as an aircraft engine, includes a name plate, a mounting bracket for mounting the name plate, a housing, and an RFID tag positioned within the housing between the name plate and the mounting bracket. The RFID tag includes an integrated circuit and an antenna such as a patch antenna.

Abstract: A method for producing RFID antennas by vacuum deposition of an electrically conductive material on a web material, wherein at least a first and a second deposition of electrically conductive material are carried out in subsequent steps according to a pattern corresponding to the shape of the antennas.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for delivering information for a container. A base label may be adhered to the container, and at least a first, a second, and a third indicia displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. The top label may have a transparent window allowing at least one of the first, second, or third indicia to be visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: In a system that employs multiple air movers (e.g., fans) within an enclosure, the air movers are controlled in an attempt to optimize cooling efficiency of the system. In some aspects, current cooling efficiency is indicated based on one or more characteristics of an acoustic signature in the enclosure. In particular, a reduction in cooling efficiency may be indicated by spreading of an acoustic peak of the acoustic signature. Accordingly, improved cooling efficiency may be achieved by controlling the air movers in a manner that reduces spreading of such an acoustic peak.

Abstract: Compositions for dust suppression, methods for forming the compositions, and methods for using the compositions are provided. In one embodiment, the composition includes at least a binding agent. The composition may be in the form of an emulsion. The compositions may be applied to an exposed surface of a substrate to suppress or mitigate fugitive dust therefrom.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body that defines a fuel inlet, a drain outlet and a nozzle outlet, and has disposed therein a nozzle chamber, a needle control chamber and a valve chamber. The needle control chamber is fluidly connected to the drain outlet through a drain passage that includes the conical seat, is fluidly connected to the nozzle chamber through a Z orifice, and fluidly connected to the valve chamber through an A orifice. The nozzle chamber is fluidly connected to the valve chamber by a pressure passage that includes an F orifice that opens through a flat seat. A control valve member is trapped to move between contact with conical seat and contact with the flat seat. An electrical actuator is operable to push the control valve member away from the conical seat toward the flat seat when energized. A direct control needle valve has an opening hydraulic surface positioned in the nozzle chamber and a closing hydraulic surface positioned in the needle control chamber.