Abstract: A truck-mounted crane is disclosed. The truck-mounted crane may include an elongated pole member, a pivoting arm pivotally attached to the elongated pole member, a support member secured to the elongated pole member, an extension member secured to the support member, an elongated securing member, and an anchoring member. When secured to a truck, the support member may rest on the rim of a truck bed with the secured extension member being positioned within a socket of the truck bed rim. In such configuration, one end of elongated pole member may be pivotally attached to the pivoting arm and the other end of the elongated pole member may be secured to a cargo loop of a truck using the elongated securing member and an anchoring member.

Abstract: A nursing bottle formed of a container, incorporates a reservoir and venting tube that eliminates vacuum. The nursing bottle has a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula therein from blocking the venting tube when held at any angle. The venting tube extends distally from the insert and alternatively may be in separate pieces. The insert has a flange on its perimeter, extending inferiorly and securing the insert to the superior and lateral aspects of the neck of the container. The vent opens at the volumetric center of the reservoir above the conically shaped venting tube depending from the reservoir, where the venting tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter.

Abstract: A child resistant closure for a container (1) comprises a collar (3) fixable to a container (1) and a rotatable cap (4). The cap (4) is provided with a first engaging member (10) and the collar (3) is provided with a corresponding second engaging member (21). Adjacent said engaging member the collar (3) is provided with a resiliently deformable integral push tab (24), characterised in that the first and second engaging members (10, 21) are adapted to engage by rotation of the cap (4). It is an advantage of one embodiment that the cap of the closure does not require an internal screw thread. The cap may therefore be simpler and less expensive to manufacture. In addition, the two components, e.g., the cap and the collar, can be assembled prior to application onto the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced water product, wherein a solid dosage product is conveyed with a bottle of water in an attached dosage cup. The attachment is achieved with a novel frangible feature that flexes out of the way during a simplified snap-on assembly. The feature breaks away when any attempt is made to separate the dosage cup from bottle, thus rendering the product safe from malicious tampering. In an alternate embodiment, the dosage cup is used to measure any liquid product.

Abstract: A bottle opener for a closure cap for a bottle neck, includes a hood equipped with a first hook including a contact surface with a lower surface of the closure cap, and a transmission lever hinged onto the hood and provided with a gripping section and a working section able to come to bear against an upper surface of the closure cap. It is also provided with two other hooks which include a contact surface with the lower surface and which are offset in the circumferential direction on both sides of the position diametrically opposite the first hook, by an angle of less than 90°, typically ranging between 40° and 80°, and preferably ranging between 40° and 50°.

Abstract: A sealed composite bin for accommodating and delivering powder or particle material has multiple main bin units (11-13) arranged vertically and connected with each other, each including an arched main top part (111), a cylindrical main side wall (112) and a conical main bottom part (113). The radius of each main side wall is approximately the same, the in-line arrangement of the multiple main bin units (11-13) make the distance between the axes of the adjacent main bin units less than the sum of the radii of the two corresponding main side walls, and the multiple main bin units are communicated with each other. A supplementary bin unit (21) is provided between the adjacent main bin units, and the supplementary bin unit (21) includes a supplementary top part (211) connected to the top parts of the adjacent main bin units and cylindrical supplementary side walls (212,212?) connected to the side walls of the adjacent main bin units.

Abstract: A transportable storage device having three compartments wherein a main compartment is configured to maintain a temperature dissimilar to that of its environment. The transportable storage device includes two opposedly mounted storage compartments that are hingedly attached so as to have a first position and a second position. The two opposedly mounted storage compartments are secured utilizing a pair of support arms. A first container is disposed within the main compartment and is superposed a plurality of support brackets. An access hatch is further included being mounted within the main compartment and operable to cover a second opening in the wall of the main compartment. A second container is included and is rotatably mounted within one of the two opposedly mounted storage compartments. A sliding transport member is further included and is configured to slidably traverse the storage device across a terrain.

Abstract: A packaging combination characterized by including a casing (1) having at least two openings (5, 6), and a casing coupler; a container (2) having a mouth (11), a container coupler and a container attachment mechanism, wherein the container (2) is at least partially housed inside the casing (1) and its container coupler cooperate at least partially with the casing coupler; a sealing lid (4) having sealing lid attachment structure, wherein the sealing lid (4) can be fastened to the container (2), with the lid attachment structure cooperating with the container attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A storage container including a housing having an open-top wall structure defining a receptacle for receiving material to be stored. The container includes a cover disposable on the housing in a closed position relative to the receptacle. A button is movably carried by the cover and a seal. The seal is carried by the cover and shiftable between a compressed condition for sealingly engaging the wall structure when the cover is disposed in the closed position, and an uncompressed condition for disengaging from the wall structure. The container also includes a toggle mechanism coupled to the button and to the seal for effecting movement of the seal to its compressed and uncompressed conditions respectively in response to alternate actuations of the button.

Abstract: A lid is defined for removably attaching to a hollow container body. The container is contemplated to be of the type having an opening thereon defined by a projecting rim. A bead may be formed on the rim projecting transverse to the direction of the rim projection. The lid includes a body for covering at least a portion of the container opening and a skirt depending from the body portion. The skirt is formed to engage the rim to removably secure the lid on the opening. One or more set of ridges is formed on the inner surface of the skirt at defined locations. The ridges are positioned substantially transverse to the bead and frictionally engaging the bead for securing the lid on the container opening. One or more retention tabs may also be provided on the inside surface of the skirt for engaging the underside of the bead on the rim.

Abstract: A sheet-material piercer (1) for a container closure (2) of the push-pull type is of essentially rotationally symmetrical design and can be inserted into the container closure (2) in the direction of the axis of rotation of symmetry (R) such that it can be displaced axially independently of the push-pull part of the container closure (2). The sheet-material piercer (1) is in one piece and has at least one sealing formation (16, 17, 18) which is likewise of rotationally symmetrical design and is arranged between an actuating end (13) and a piercing end (14). The sealing formation (16, 17, 18) is designed for sealing and latching contact with the container closure (2). Also proposed is a container closure (2) for a container (3) with a so-called push-pull closure and such a sheet-material piercer (1).

Abstract: An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.

Abstract: A universal drain pan with a complementary insert plate, each having supporting members that align to provide support throughout the plate, allowing for weighted objects to be placed upon the plate without deformation or failure. The insert plate has a series of funneled drain holes to direct the fluid into the pan and may have a mechanical filtration means, such as a screen, to prevent entrained foreign material and small component pieces from going into the fluid in the drain pan. The screen allows for inspection of, or retrieval of material prior to disposal or recovery. The drain pan has a drainage port and cap to allow for ease of disposal and a lid for transfer to the disposal point or for storage.

Abstract: A portable drip containment device comprises a tray formed of fuel and chemical resistant fabric. Side walls of the tray are supported by removable bolster segments formed of resilient open cell foam members enclosed within sleeves. The bolster segments are wrapped within a flap of material extending from under the side wall of the tray and around the bolster segments to secure them to the side walls. The outer edge or end of the flap is secured to the side wall. The bolstered side walls may be repeatedly driven across by industrial vehicles without harming the bolster or side wall. The modular bolster segments may be removed and easily stacked, and the tray folded and rolled into a compact modular form, for transport, storage, and reuse of the portable containment tray.

Abstract: An insulated picnic cooler having thermally isolated internal compartments separated by a dividing wall. A removable and adjustable shelf assembly can divide an internal compartment into thermally isolated storage pockets. The shelf assembly is spring loaded to remain in place and flush mounting “T”-shaped handles can retract the springs to enable the shelf to be removed or adjusted. Hot and cold food items as well as ice and beverages can be stored. A drain can be used to drain liquids from a storage compartment.

Abstract: A lid for securing to the rim of a container, the lid including inverted dimples positioned along a top wall of the lid for engaging the rim of the container. The top wall includes one or more inverted dimples which reverse direction and pop up to project outwards and upwards from beyond the top wall of the lid when the lid is applied to the rim of a container. When all the dimples are raised, the lid is seated firmly on the container. The raised dimples provide both visual and tactile confirmation of a secure seal of the lid to the rim of a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid assembly for a container, in particular for liquids, comprising a lid comprising at least one fastening clamp for fastening the lid assembly to the container, wherein the at least one fastening clamp is embodied in one piece on the lid.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable keying component which is required for operation of a mechanism and which component includes a waveguide having a photochromic portion. A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.

Abstract: A package includes a pour spout and a closure cap. The pour spout is adapted to fit into a neck finish associated with a container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser capable of supplying a supercooled beverage without being influenced by a type of raw water. In various embodiments, the beverage dispenser includes a raw water treatment device that deaerates or filters raw water, a primary cooling device that cools the raw water to an ice point or so, and a secondary cooling device that cools the raw water into a supercooled state. In certain embodiments, the beverage dispenser further includes an anti-freezing liquid tank, a refrigerant circuit that cools the anti-freezing liquid to a supercooling temperature, and a brine circuit that circulates the anti-freezing liquid. According to certain aspects of the embodiments, a supercooled beverage can be quickly and reliably phase-changed to a different state when discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is disclosed, typical of prior art beverage dispensing systems, in that it is designed to dispense fluids, such as syrup and/or soda and water, from a bar gun. The bar gun is connected by a multiplicity of lines to a manifold and flow control assembly. The manifold and flow control assembly, in turn, receives a number of different fluids, typically syrup, water and soda, under pressure from a number of different pressurized containers. Applicants' novel system includes schematics, typically in the form of adhesive labels, applied to the dispensing system, typically on the manifold and flow control assembly, which schematics illustrate the button arrangement on the handle, and the inlet port layout on the handle, and relate the same, using words, symbols or a combination, to indicia identified ports on the manifold and flow control assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module (28) for a modular pressure distribution system (8) comprising a plurality of modules. The module (28) comprises a frame (60, 60?, 61, 61?) defining an outer periphery and a space defined within the outer periphery and a pressure chamber (22) for receiving a beverage container (68), the pressure chamber being arranged within the space. The module further comprises a first type connector (46) and a second type connector (48) positioned at the outer periphery. A fluid path (47) establishes fluid communication from the first type connector to the second type connector. The first type connector (46) is connectable to a connector of the second type connector (48) of a neighbouring module, and the first type connector is adapted to receive a pressure-fluid from a pressure-fluid source. The second type connector is adapted to transfer the pressure-fluid to a first type connector of a neighbouring module.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a personal care product includes a housing, a first panel disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of receptacles, and a first key that is sized to be interchangeably received in each of the receptacles. The apparatus further includes a container sized and shaped to be secured in a particular orientation within the housing, and having a surface that faces the panel when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing. A first depression is formed in the container surface to complement with specificity the first key's exterior shape and positioned to pair with the key when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing and the key is received in one of the receptacles.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser for dispensing toilet paper from a cylindrical roll of paper journalled about an axis and with a tubular member via which fluid is to be dispensed is positioned to extend parallel the axis.

Abstract: A carrying bag including an adjustable shoulder strap as well as an adjustable secondary strap that fits across a wearer's back and around an arm opposite the shoulder strap and that has a pouch integrally attached to a carrier body thereof, the pouch accessible by both a zipper and through an opening having a flap thereover. A waist belt is also provided as an additional way to secure the carrying bag to a wearer.

Abstract: A device for lifting, supporting, transporting and unloading a kayak, comprising, engagement means for releasably and securely engaging the coaming of the kayak support means for stably supporting the engagement means and engaged kayak on an individual's shoulders and rotation means in engagement with the support means and the engagement means adapted to rotate the engagement means relative to the support means.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for positioning portable telephones on sun visors in vehicles. The holder may be in the general form of a rectangular box structure with a back side wall with a hanger attached, a right and a left side wall attached to the back side wall, a front side wall attached to the two side walls, and a bottom wall to form an open top interior chamber. The front side wall may have at least one opening therein.

Abstract: A device holder for a transport apparatus having a user storage compartment which includes a main body detachably coupled to the transport apparatus and a device storage compartment disposed on the main body to store a device therein, wherein the main body is coupled to the transport apparatus to provide a line of sight to a user disposed in the user storage compartment.

Abstract: An umbrella carrier secures a wet umbrella outside of a vehicle. A closed umbrella is strapped or otherwise secured to at least one umbrella carrier arm that is attached to a mounting pole coupled with a vehicle window support clip or some other temporary mounting means.

Abstract: The nailing machine (1) comprises an air passage (510) allowing communication between a cylinder (200) and a return air chamber (500) in which compressed air for returning a piston (300) to the initial position is accumulated. The air passage (510) is provided with a control valve (520) controlling entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) from the cylinder (200). The control valve (520) opens the air passage 510 and allows entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) in the case wherein the nailed object produces a small reaction force upon driving the nail, namely when the upward moving distance of the body (100) relative to the push lever (700) is smaller than a predetermined distance. The compressed air that has entered the return air chamber (500) further enters a below-the-piston chamber and serves as air damper, reducing excess energy absorbed by a piston bumper (360).

Abstract: One aspect according to the present invention includes a fuel cell battery system including a fuel cell battery assembly and a fuel gas tank. A suction device is driven by a motor and capable of producing flow of air for collecting dust. The motor can receive the supply of power from the fuel cell battery assembly. The fuel cell battery system, the motor and the suction device are assembled within a case.

Abstract: An auto hammer has a housing, a grip portion and a striking device. The striking device has a striking rod that can strike a fastening element using a liner reciprocating motion. The striking device also has an associated clamping mechanism for clamping the fastening element. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping member, a driving part and a sliding member, wherein the clamping member is pivotally arranged in the sliding member and is connected to the driving part, and the driving part can rotate relative to the sliding member so as to cause the clamping member to rotate pivotally in the sliding member. The clamping mechanism may thus firmly clamp the fastening element in a manner that is convenient for users.

Abstract: A floating impact apparatus for an electrical nail gun includes a carrier, an impact unit, and a floating unit. The impact unit includes an impact member, and at least one sliding, wheel disposed pivotally on the impact member. The floating unit includes a guiding rod together with the impact member being connected movably to the carrier, two floating members extending through the carrier to connect with the guiding rod at positions proximate to a first side of the carrier, and at least two resilient members disposed between a second side of the carrier and the floating members for biasing the guiding rod and the impact member to move relative to the carrier to thereby maintain contact between the sliding wheel and the first side of the carrier, so as to promote smooth movement and nail-striking force of the impact member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument has surgical stapler jaws, at least one staple line reinforcement material, and a fastener including a hook and a loop. The hook can be disposed on one of the surgical stapler jaws and the loop can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material. Alternatively, the hook can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material and the look on one of the surgical stapler jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: Provided is high corrosion resistant equipment for a plant having the lining structure which exhibits high reliability against breaking of a joining portion over a long use period. The high corrosion resistant equipment for a plant includes a lining plate and a support portion which are made of a high corrosion resistance material and a structural material portion made of a steel material or the like. The lining plate and the support portion include a joining portion to which friction stirring is applied. The support portion is assembled into or fastened to the structural material portion by means of the geometrical structure with a gap interposed between the support portion and the structural material portion. Due to such a constitution, high corrosion resistant equipment for a plant having the lining which exhibits high reliability can be acquired.

Abstract: A method of welding that realizes enhancements of airtightness and watertightness at weld area and a method of welding and method of friction stir welding that attain an enhancement of welding operation efficiency/speed. There is provided a method of welding including the first primary welding step of carrying out a friction stir welding on the abutting portion (J1) of metal members (1,1) from the surface (12) side of metal member (1) and the second primary welding step of carrying out a friction stir welding on the abutting portion (J1) from the reverse face (13) side of the member (1), wherein in the second primary welding step, the friction stir welding is performed while penetrating a stirring pin (B2) of rotation tool (B) in plasticized region (W1) formed in the first primary welding step.

Abstract: An expandable food carton expands to a non-trapezoidal shape when in an open and expanded state. The expanded state creates a wider top opening which provides a larger access to the interior of the package and thus to the food product. The expandable carton has a bottom end with upstanding side panels therefrom, where each side panel has at least one score line that extends between an upper end region and a lower end region. The carton has a top flap attached at an upper end of each side panel, each top flap also having a score line that extends longitudinally between an upper end region and a lower end region at a midpoint region. Upon shifting the carton into the expanded state, the side panels of the carton shift outward along their respective score lines and the top flaps of the carton fold down adjacent respective side panels and shift outward along their respective score lines.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A handle extends in at least the closed end of the carton. The handle comprises a first handle portion adjacent the top panel and a second handle portion adjacent the bottom panel.

Abstract: A paper cup that contains a beverage and is held by a user with a hand, the paper cup includes: a cup main body formed as a cylinder with an open upper portion, and containing the beverage from the open upper portion; and a heat insulating material disposed on an outer wall of the cup main body so as to reduce a thermal conductivity between the beverage contained in the paper cup and the hand of the user holding the paper cup, and the heat insulating material is partially disposed on an outer wall of the cup main body along with a circumferential direction of the cup main body, and attached to the cup main body so as not to separate from the cup main body. Thus, since the heat insulating material is attached on the outer wall of the cup main body, the heat insulating material is not separable from the cup main body, and the user may conveniently hold the paper cup containing a hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: A system for using machine-readable indicia to provide additional information and offers to potential customers, the system comprising a network-connected server adapted to receive coded information from mobile devices, a database coupled to the server and containing data pertaining to products, a software application executing on the server for processing the coded information, and a plurality of labels containing machine-readable indicia and posted near products for sale, is disclosed. According to the invention, on receiving coded information from a mobile device, the server provides the data to the software application, and the software application determines from the coded information a location from which the information was obtained and a product to which the information pertains, and, based at least in part on the location and product information obtained, the application obtains additional data from the database and sends it to the mobile device from which the coded information was received.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Items deposited into the machine through a deposit inlet (44) pass through a deposit transport (48) in which properties of the deposited item such as thickness are measured and indicia corresponding to the sensed properties are recorded on the deposited item. The deposited item is stored in a storage area (50) in the machine. Each deposited item is subsequently removed from the machine and the content thereof compared to the indicated value for the item input to the machine by the person making the deposit. The data corresponding to the indica recorded on the deposited item is usable to determine if the deposited item had content which may correspond to the value indicated at the time of deposit, and the user's account may be credited accordingly.

Abstract: A method of receiving and paying out bills including the steps of providing a bill passage in about the central portion of an elongate casing that extends along one side of a bill receiving chamber having a bill payback: outlet; providing a bill conveying apparatus for conveying a bill delivered to said bill passage to a predetermined position for receiving it; utilizing a bill pushing member being capable of moving in a reciprocating motion across said passage to bill receiving chamber when the bill located at said predetermined position in said passage to be received, effects receiving of the bill by pushing it with a surface of said bill pushing member across from said passage; disengaging the rearmost bill from said bill receiving chamber by operating bill extracting apparatus in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount while said bill pushing member is activated causing it to extract away and pull out from a rearmost bill leading edge retainer which holds the remaining bills in position; and, oper

Abstract: An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. A card account's status is listed in a data store as either blocked or unblocked for use in approving transactions on the account. A transaction on an account cannot be carried out unless the account has an unblocked status. Similarly, no transaction is carried out on an account having a blocked status. Read card data is sent from the machine to a remote card security computer which determines the card account status from the data store. If the account is unblocked, then the machine can continue with the transaction and seek transaction approval from a host computer associated with the automated banking machine.

Abstract: A media cassette comprises: a cassette body defining a picking end and a handle end opposite the picking end, and a removable lid coupled to the cassette body. The handle end includes an engagement portion. The removable lid defines a locking portion complementary to the engagement portion and configured to interlock therewith so that when the removable lid is removed and interlocked with the cassette body, the removable lid is maintained in an upright position and the cassette body is maintained at an angle to facilitate replenishment with media.

Abstract: A method for crediting a customer account maintained by a vendor of services in response to payment received from a customer is disclosed herein. The method includes issuing, to the customer, a membership account number associated with at least the customer account. A membership account number and a payment corresponding to a requested amount of a service offered by the vendor are received from the customer at a point-of-sale. The method further includes generating, at the point-of-sale, an authorization message including at least the membership account number and embedded transaction information identifying the service offered by the vendor and the requested amount. The embedded transaction information is then communicated from the point-of-sale to a database server. The customer account is credited, in response to the embedded transaction information, based upon an amount of the payment.

Abstract: A smart card capable of performing more than one function, said smart card comprising a first memory means comprising a first set of data to access a bank account, a second set of data to access a credit card account, a third set of data representing the identification of a holder of the smart card, and a fourth set of data to access telephone communication services. The smart card further comprises a microprocessor, said microprocessor being in electrical communication with a second memory means, and a location tracking means for determining a location of the smart card.

Abstract: A banking system operates to provide vault access responsive to authorizing data read from data bearing records. The system selectively permits authorized individuals to access safety deposit boxes located in an interior area of the vault. An individuals's personal mobile device can wirelessly communicate user identifying data to a data reader of the system. A system data store includes data corresponding to authorized users of the vault. A system computer operates to cause a vault gate lock to electronically change from a locked condition to an unlocked condition in response to the data reader wirelessly receiving from the personal mobile device, user identifying data associated in the system data store with an authorized user of the vault.