Abstract: A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller.

Abstract: A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.

Abstract: A dual-compartment dispensing container for retaining and dispensing two separate products or product phases such that each product or product phase is concurrently dispensed from each compartment in substantially equal volumetric amounts. The first compartment comprises a deformable semi-circular inner tube having a top end and a bottom end. The inner tube is disposed within a second compartment comprising a deformable fully circular outer tube having a top end and a bottom end.

Abstract: It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material metering system has different output assemblies interchangeably mounted thereon in a modular manner. In this manner, if it is desired to effectively convert a particular metering system from one type of metering system to another type of metering system, a particular output assembly can be exchanged for a different output assembly. In addition, if a particular output assembly needs to be replaced or repaired, the particular output assembly can be simply removed and a new similar output assembly can be simply installed.

Abstract: A security tab isolating varied dispensing apertures with a multi chamber consumable container is disclosed. In one embodiment the dispensing apertures are similar and have either a spray dispenser or a spot dispenser. In another embodiment they may have dissimilar apertures such as a spray dispenser and a spout dispenser. The dispensing aperture can be operated simultaneously or separately. The dispensing aperture may be sealed individually or together with a security tab. The sealing of the dispensing apertures with a security tab enables the user to select the consumable of choice, to prevent loss and accidental usage of the wrong consumable.

Abstract: A pump device with a base for inserting into a top of a bottle and a straw disposed on a second end of the base and extending into the bottle. The straw serves as a conduit for liquid in the bottle to travel to the base. A button is slidably disposed in the base for operating an electric pump disposed in the base and can move between a first position and a second position. Movement of the button to the second position causes activation of the electric pump. A pump extension component is disposed on the button and is fluidly connected to the base conduit to serve as a conduit for the liquid to travel out of the pump device. The pump extension component is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A security device protects the vulnerable portions or accessories of a bulk storage tank or container against unauthorized access. The device includes a housing that covers the vulnerable portions of the tank, the housing having two or more lockable doors that selectively permit access to the tank or container via two or more respective apertures. A first door is openable after unlocking a readily-accessible lock, while the second movable door is openable after an elongate lock member that is positioned internally within the housing is moved to an unlocking position. The elongate lock member can be moved to its unlocking position after the first door is opened. Certain tank operations, such as dispensing fuel, may be carried out after unlocking and opening a single door, while other operations, such as refilling the tank, may be accomplished after opening a second door once the first door has been opened.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for removably coupling a replaceable cartridge to a housing of a dispenser with the cartridge carrying a piston pump with a movable piston element to be coupled on insertion with an actuator plate of the housing. A ramp mechanism is provided on the actuator plate to engage the piston element and during insertion of the cartridge into the housing move the piston element to a position relative the actuator plate which facilitates proper coupling including a resilient member which prevents radial movement relative a catch member of the housing from a coupled orientation unless the resilient member is deflected from an unbiased inherent configuration.

Abstract: A fastener device for fastening a dispenser member (4) on a neck (11) of a fluid reservoir (1), the device including: a fastener ring (2) including a reception mechanism (21) and a fastener mechanism (23) for engaging around the neck (11) of the reservoir (1); and a blocking hoop (3) engaged around the ring (2) and movable relative to the ring between a provisional pre-assembled position and a final assembled position. The hoop (3) includes a clearance section (32) that, in the provisional position, is disposed around the fastener mechanism (23), but with an intermediate clearance gap (E), so as to enable the fastener mechanism (23) to move radially outwards without being hindered by the hoop (3), and is offset axially in the final position relative to the fastener mechanism (23), so as to enable the hoop to block the ring (2) on the neck (11).

Abstract: A dispenser has a housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber.

Abstract: A piston pump assembly in which a piston-forming element to be received in a piston chamber of a piston chamber-forming member carries a removable stop flange member which may be secured to the piston chamber-forming member to provide a retention stop to prevent the piston-forming element from being removed from the piston chamber.

Abstract: A refillable material transfer system is disclosed having a portable constant-pressure compressed gas system for storing, transferring and dispensing viscous material, such as fluids and liquids, includes a material containment vessel with an upper region incorporating a motive force and a bottom region with a material ingress and egress opening. The portable constant-pressure compressed gas subsystem can be used with a fluid vessel, hand-held systems, a backpack system or other configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fitment for use with a collapsible bag for dispensing liquids or semi-solids comprising a spout having a generally cylindrical body attached to a collapsible bag, a cap attached to the spout having positioned therein a flexible cap duckbill that allows for the flow of fluid when engaged with a probe assembly.

Abstract: A pouring insert is provided for insertion into a container outlet, for example a bottleneck, for aerating liquids pored from the container. This is achieved by a combination of a hollow, tapering jacket with a hollow pipe axially disposed within it. The jacket features a plurality of elongated slots penetrating the jacket and allowing for liquid/air flow therethrough. The invention furthermore relates to a bottle pourer having a spout and the pouring insert described herein. The invention also relates to the use of the pouring insert and of the bottle pourer for aerating wine. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the pouring insert by injection molding.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use with a device for dispensing a flowable material, such as caulking material, is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a conduit having an inlet end adapted for connecting to the dispensing device, an outlet end, and a longitudinally extending passage therethrough. A head assembly is arranged to be rotatably mounted to the conduit outlet end. A nozzle is arranged to be affixed within the head assembly, the nozzle comprising a larger diameter inlet opening, a smaller diameter outlet opening, and a tapered wall comprising a notched portion which, together with the outlet opening forms a dispensing opening. The nozzle is arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the head assembly to any one of a plurality of positions for directing a bead of flowable material onto a surface.

Abstract: A hanger assembly allows a user to hang a pullover garment from its top and remove the pullover garment quickly and easily without damaging it. The hanger assembly includes a rigid handle to which is joined an elongated flexible holder. The rigid handle has a hook portion and a holder carrier portion including first and second opposed coupling members. The flexible holder is operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the first and second coupling members to allow the flexible holder to transition between a lengthwise compressed state and a partly relaxed state to hang the garment and between the partly relaxed state and a break free state to remove the garment without stretching its neck opening.

Abstract: Principles of the present disclosure contemplate use of a flexible sleeve to aid in donning and doffing garments, for example compression garments. The compression garment may be rolled around the sleeve via an eversion process. The compression garment may be unrolled from the sleeve and onto a limb via a reverse eversion process. Likewise, the compression garment may be unrolled from around a limb and onto the sleeve via an eversion process. By utilizing an eversion-based approach, compression garments may be donned and/or doffed more quickly and easily.

Abstract: A hanger device stores clothes on the inside of the deck lid that closes the vehicle trunk. A peg projects from an inner surface of the deck lid for engagement by the hook portion of a clothes hanger when the deck lid is open, so that the clothes hanging on the clothes hanger hang downwardly. An elastic strap has first and second ends, one end attached to the deck lid on one side of the hanging clothes and the other end attached to the deck lid on the other side of the hanging clothes so that the elastic strap holds the clothes against the deck lid during movement of the deck lid between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated attachment and carrying means for detachable attachment to a transport device comprising a carrying means for carrying by a user; and at least one attachment means comprising a means for attachment to a transport device, wherein the attachment means is attached to or integrated with the carrying means. The invention further provides a bag featuring such an integrated attachment and carrying means and a method of use of such an integrated attachment and carrying means.

Abstract: A combustion-operated setting tool for driving in fastening elements includes a propellant container receptacle (16) for receiving a propellant container (20), a connection element (14) provided in the propellant container receptacle (16) for connection with the propellant container (20), a propellant conduit (15) for connecting the connection element (14) with the tool combustion chamber (12), a metering device (13) for controlling flow of propellant from the connection element (14) to the combustion chamber, and a damping arrangement (30) for damping the metering device (13).

Abstract: A wire guide apparatus for a powered staple gun is adapted to be housed in a low-profile housing at the front end of the staple gun, forward of the safety and staple driver.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from a continuous supply of 0.1875 inch pitch ladder stock includes a head assembly that is designed to receive the supply of ladder stock, sever an individual fastener from the supply ladder stock and eject the individual fastener during a single stroke of its actuation cycle. The device also includes a stepper motor for driving the head assembly through its actuation cycle, a DC power switching supply for regulating the power supplied to the stepper motor from an AC input power source, and a controller for collecting historical data relating to usage of the device and for regulating operation of the stepper motor. The controller is programmed to enable certain operational characteristics, such as stroke speed and mode, to be regulated through a user interface which includes a screen display and a plurality of control buttons.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a body, a tool assembly and an articulation assembly is disclosed. The articulation mechanism includes a receptacle, and a main shaft. A lower clutch is fixedly positioned within the receptacle and has a serrated portion including a plurality of serrations. An upper clutch includes at least one projection positioned to engage the serrations of the lower clutch to releasably retain the main shaft at a rotatably fixed position. An angle between a first pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a first angle, an angle between a second pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a second angle, and an angle between a third pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a third angle. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are each different from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments including a staple anvil formed in a distal end of the surgical stapler and a staple cartridge selectively receivable in a distal end of the surgical stapler and in juxtaposition relative to the staple anvil, the staple cartridge including one or more laterally spaced apart rows of staple slots formed in an upper surface thereof, a plurality of surgical staples disposed, one each, within the staple slots, and a staple line reinforcing system configured and adapted to augment the strength of the staple line formed by the firing of the surgical staples into body tissue, wherein the surgical stapler concomitantly drives the plurality of surgical staples through the adjacent layers of body tissue to mechanically secure the body tissue and activates the reinforcing system to non-mechanically secure the adjacent layers of body tissue to one another.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a staple fastening assembly (4) in the distal region of said instrument, the staple fastening assembly (4) including a cartridge device (8) which comprises at least one closed row (17, 18) of staples and defines a wavy distal end surface (14), and an anvil (9) which defines a wavy proximal staple forming surface (20) substantially matching the distal end surface (14) and which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge device (8) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge device (8), wherein the distal end surface (14) and the staple forming surface (20) have a globally wavy shape including two opposite peaks (21) and two opposite valleys (22) angularly spaced at about 90° from the adjacent peaks (21) and in that said two-peaks-two-valleys wavy shape is formed by a stepped configuration of said surfaces (14, 20).

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus having a fastener retaining frame including a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners have been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations.

Abstract: A synchronous ultrasonic metal welding device with double-heads has two sets of ultrasonic welding mechanisms which are installed side by side on a middle frame (18). The middle frame (18) is composed of assembling flanges (19) and two sliding stop rods (11) which are in parallel each other. The ultrasonic welding mechanisms are located on the assembling flanges (19) which are connected with driving devices (3) respectively. The driving devices (3) drive the ultrasonic welding mechanisms moving toward each other and welding synchronously. By using the welding device of the invention, multi-layer metal pieces of the power battery can be double-sided welded simultaneously by way of spot welding or roll welding, so the work efficiency can be improved, and the welding layer can be strong in one time.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool comprises an exterior threaded solid pin having a diameter and a length; a shoulder having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; an monolithic shoulder-shank having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; a pair of locking nuts having a threadless outer diameter and a threaded inner diameter operably compatable with the exterior threaded solid pin, wherein the shoulder and the monolithic shoulder-shank are capable of slidable engagement with the exterior threaded solid pin along the length of the exterior threaded solid pin to set a space slightly larger than a thickness of a work piece to be welded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip or sheet of aluminium alloy, comprising at least 80% by weight of aluminium and 0.01 to 0.5% yttrium and/or 0.05 to 0.5% bismuth, coated on at least one face with a brazing alloy. Said sheets and strips are used for the production of pieces by non-flux brazing.

Abstract: A layered structure comprising a base structure having a major surface, and a brazing layer secured to the major surface of the base structure, where the brazing layer is applied to the major surface prior to positioning the layered structure in contact with a turbine engine component.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing welded structures comprises components to be welded, a welding additive material which, before the welding, has a shaped profile and the shaped profile is disposed between components to be welded and conforms with at least one of the components to be welded. At least one heat source is used in the method to weld the components, producing a weld seam on at least one side of one of the components.

Abstract: A single piece blank and resulting container having an operable tray panel for easily viewing and accessing products contained within is disclosed. Specifically, the container is designed to have an operable tray panel in an upper portion of the container. The operable tray panel allows easy access to products in the container. Further, it provides better viewing of contents such that the urge to access the contents is increased via the increased visibility. The structure provides a strong and stable container that may be constructed to varying sizes and geometries.

Abstract: A ballot box assembly includes a secure location for storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal. The assembly includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber. An input device is provided for authenticating a voting session.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: An application executing on a mobile computing device retrieves encoded information from a physical package by invoking a scanning function of the mobile computing device. The encoded information associates the physical package with a transaction. The mobile computing device transmits, using the encoded information, an item of recipient reaction information to a server at a network location. The mobile computing device receives from the server an item of transaction information associated with the transaction. The item of transaction information is usable by the application to perform a user interaction function related to the transaction. The mobile computing device performs the user interaction function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of managing a stock replenishment system in a way that explicitly controls the in-stock rate. Also provided by the present invention is a method of managing a collection of stock replenishment systems in a way that the combined in-stock rate of the collection is controlled to a selected value. In addition, the present invention provides a method to set up a collection of stock replenishment systems in replenishment software systems in an identical fashion while controlling the combined in-stock rate. The methods of the present invention use point-of-sale data to determine packages-per-shopper rates, which are used as one of the inputs to statistical models of multiple-day retail sales.

Abstract: QR codes or the like are used in hardlink applications, by which different users may receive different information in response to a scan of the same code that is displayed at one or more locations in the real world. The content delivered to a particular user may be dependent on the time of the scan, the geographic location of the user, a weather condition at the geographical location, personal information associated with the user, a number of previous scans of the code by prior individuals, and any combination of the these or other variables, which may be determined by an originator of the QR code or other party.

Abstract: A method for combating counterfeiting and gray market is provided, the method including the steps of accessing a web platform comprising a network-connected server on which software that provides functionalities for the method executes, generating a unique identifier (“UID”) for every product unit being produced by a manufacturer, saving the UID in a database that is part of the web platform, communicating the UID to the manufacturer, associating the UID with a product unit such that the UID is hidden; verifying the authenticity of the UID, and, sending a message from the web platform indicating whether or not the verified UID is authentic.

Abstract: A test-sensor cartridge comprising a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein. The cavity is adapted to include the plurality of test sensors. At least one of the plurality of walls forms at least one aperture. The cartridge further comprises a lid adapted to enclose the cavity. The cartridge further comprises a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the walls. The locking feature is adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receiving a projection of an analyte-testing instrument.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for transferring information wirelessly, such as for instance at points of departure or point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device with a GPS receiver and a short-range radio frequency device that enables transfer of information to the device from a wireless-enabled entity such as a kiosk.

Abstract: A vertically arranged combination desktop currency denominating machine and currency dispenser comprising a currency denominating module adapted to receive a stack of currency bills to be denominated and to denominate the received currency bills, wherein a transport mechanism transports bills individually from an input receptacle adapted to receive the stack of currency bills to one or more output receptacles. The combination further comprising a dispenser retaining section adapted to store currency bills to be dispensed to the one or more output receptacles during a dispensing operation, the retaining section comprising one or more dispensing receptacles, each dispensing receptacle adapted to hold bills having a common denomination, wherein the dispenser retainer section is positioned above the currency denominating module.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of machines that operate responsive to data bearing records such as user cards (74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86). The machines operate to carry out financial transactions with associated host computers (90, 94, 100, 104) responsive to determinations that card data corresponds to computer stored data corresponding to authorized users or accounts. Marketing presentations are stored on and output from the machines responsive to messages exchanged with a market message server (110) which is connected to the machines. Systems can also distribute and activate instructions corresponding to states and screens logic on the machines to determine operation.

Abstract: Automated banking machines (10) operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. Each of the automated banking machines includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. Transactions are authorized responsive at least in part to correspondence between card data and stored data corresponding to authorized users. Entities responsible for operating the automated banking machines may receive messages that include information or update code items for software or firmware usable in the banking machines for which they have operational responsibility.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is used for facilitating a single instance banking transaction. The method includes the steps of receiving a banking transaction request from a banking account holder at a first banking computer system, the request including at least an account identification and transaction information, generating a single instance banking transaction indicia correlated to the banking transaction request, providing the single instance banking transaction indicia to the banking account holder, receiving the single instance banking transaction indicia at a second banking computer system, and performing the banking transaction request at the second banking computer system.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other card or device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. User interfaces are provided in a number of different configurations in order to achieve a number of different functionalities.

Abstract: A storage device storing a plurality of pieces of authentication information is provided. The storage device includes a display allowing a user to determine the authentication information stored in the storage device and to select desired authentication information from among the authentication information displayed thereon. The store device performs authentication processing on the authentication information selected by the user. The storage device may be a memory card having a display. The memory card may be used for various use purposes by changing information displayed thereon according to a desired purpose.