Abstract: A sealing cover assembly that provides a liquid-tight seal around the upper perimeter of an underground utility box includes an upper lid element, a lower lid element, and a resilient, elastomeric sealing element sandwiched in between. The sealing element includes a peripheral sealing lip that mates with a peripheral surface of the upper lid element, and a sealing flange that seats in a peripheral groove or slot in the lower lid element. The peripheral lip bears against an interior surface of the underground box to form a seal The underside of the lower lid element includes fastening elements for securing an accessory holder to the underside of the cover assembly. A central fastening assembly secures the upper and lower lid elements together with the sealing element captured therebetween.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: A container cover prevents spillage of contents. In one embodiment, the container cover includes a flexible body having a first portion that can be stretched over a mouth of a container. The container cover also includes a second portion providing a periphery around the first portion that can contract against the sides of a container on which the container cover is placed to hold the cover in position. The first portion when stretched over the mouth of the container has an extension forming an area of slack for the container cover to allow the container cover to expand as a result of increased pressure within the container. The container cover further includes the first portion also including an aperture to receive a tube for withdrawing contents from the container. The first portion of the container cover includes a venting system. The venting system is provided by a valve.

Abstract: A battery cover assembly (100) includes a housing (10), a button assembly (20), a driving assembly (30), and a back cover (40). The button assembly includes a button portion (21) and a first latching portion (23). The back cover has a second latching portion (451). The driving assembly is configured for driving the back cover along a second axis. The button assembly is mounted on the housing and is movable along a first axis. The back cover covers the housing and is movable along the second axis. The first latching portion engages with the second latching portion in order to lock it to the back cover. When the button portion is pressed to move along the first axis, the second latching portion disengages from the first latching portion, and the back cover is moved along the second axis, under the force of the driving assembly.

Abstract: A trash container includes a bottom receptacle with a hinged lid. The hinge connection makes hinge opening(s) along the hinge axis. A trash bag in the receptacle, which extends up and over the sides of the receptacle, includes upward-extending back tab(s) for placement through the hinge opening(s). A removable elastic band fits around the receptacle below the lid to secure the bag and tabs in place in the receptacle.

Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.

Abstract: A “clean can” beverage can includes a beverage can body and a beverage can top coupled to the body. The can top is shaped to define a groove between a lower inside edge of the rim of the can top and an upper surface of the can top. A non-toxic groove cover is disposed to cover the groove along at least a portion of the groove that is located adjacent to the openable section of the can top. The groove cover prevents collection of debris in the groove. The groove allows the can top to be wiped clean without debris getting stuck in the groove by sloping upwards towards the top of the tim. The groove can also cover the rim and an upper portion of the can body. The groove cover remains in place before, during and after opening of the can and while pouring to provide a more sanitary drinking experience.

Abstract: A support base fabricated of a rigid material has cylindrical holes oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis. Cylindrical rods are fabricated of a rigid material. Each rod is retained within an associated hole. Each rod has an upper end located above the top surface of the support base.

Abstract: A storage system including, in an exemplary embodiment, a unitary open-topped container, and an air-tight lid system, suitable for storage of food items. The lid system includes a plastic lid including a cover portion and a plurality of lid latches connected to the lid cover portion by living hinges, and a seal gasket fitted into an inner seal channel formed in a lid peripheral region. The latches are configured for movement between extended positions in which the lid is removable from the container, and a latching position in which latch features engage a peripheral edge of the container to secure the lid and gasket in a sealed position on the container.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, two side walls connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and two end walls connecting the dispensing wall, the bottom wall and the two side walls. A first slot aperture is disposed in the dispensing wall centered between the two end walls, the first slot aperture having a major axis oriented perpendicular to each of the two side walls. A second slot aperture is disposed in a first of the two side walls, the second slot aperture having a major axis oriented relative to the major axis of the first slot aperture such that the first slot aperture and the second slot aperture define a contiguous aperture between the dispensing wall and the first of the two side walls, the second slot aperture having a width less than a width of the first slot aperture.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.

Abstract: A bulk dispenser (10) for dispensing pre-cut pieces of film is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a container body (12), a dispenser housing assembly (52) housed within the container body, arid a lid (14) which forms a moisture-tight seal with the container body. The dispenser housing assembly includes a product reservoir, a dispenser housing in engagement with the product reservoir, and a flexible indexing arm that is movable relative to the dispenser housing to dispense the pre-cut pieces of film. The pre-cut pieces of film can be encapsulated within a perforated continuous carrier (30) and contained within the product reservoir. The flexible indexing arm has features that cooperate with the continuous carrier to index the continuous carrier and dispense an individual pre-cut film piece. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser employs a suction cup (150) in the container lid which is forced onto a film piece in a stack of film pieces to be dispensed.

Abstract: A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: The present invention is a flush unit that can quickly and safely connect to a conventional soda fountain dispenser for cleaning the drain system of the dispenser. The flush unit comprises a one-piece unitary flush block or housing, a flexible hose, and a nozzle. The flush block comprises a fluid conduit having a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flush block further comprises a plug port for plugging the syrup outlet port of a conventional back block. The water inlet and plug ports are spaced to engage with the water and syrup outlet ports, respectively, of the back block. The flush block further comprises a fastener adapted to engage with a fastener of the back block. The flexible hose has a first end connected by a fastener to the water outlet port of the flush block and a second end connected to the nozzle. The present invention allows a person to quickly connect the flush unit to a conventional dispenser and flush the drain system of the dispenser using its own hydrostatic water source.

Abstract: An integrated material transfer and dispensing system for storing, transferring and dispensing materials, such as fluids, and liquids, for example, liquid applied sound deadener (LASD). The system includes at least one vessel having a force transfer device. Each vessel may be removably enclosed in cabinet to form an automated station. Each vessel may be configured with a data logger, cleanout port, a sample valve at least one sight window and an access port for introducing a compound such as a biocide. Each vessel may be configured with instruments including sensors for measuring process variables, such as material volume, level, temperature, pressure and flow. The system may further include a metering device system and a robotic material dispenser system without a pump interface. The robotic system may further include a computer control system connected to flow and pressure sensors. The system may directly feed an applicator without an intervening pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal use device, preferably a toothbrush, a shaving device, or a hair removal device. The invention relates to a refill pack for such a personal use device, having a supply container (2), particularly a supply bag, containing at least one hygiene or care substance such as toothpaste or the like, and a pump (3) tightly connected to the supply container, the pump chamber of which is connected to the interior (6) of the supply container via an input valve (5). By deformation of a membrane which bounds the pump chamber (7), the pump chamber volume can be changed. The invention also relates to a method for filling such a refill pack.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a dispenser for use in dispensing distinct portions of a powdered foodstuff. The dispenser has a container defining an interior in the form of a basin, the basin provided with a dispensing outlet; and receivable by and movable within the basin, an insert provided with plural open compartments each for holding a distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff. Each open compartment of the insert is provided with a compartment outlet arranged such that by moving the insert within the basin one compartment outlet at a time may be brought into registration with the dispensing outlet for dispensing of the distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff held thereby.

Abstract: A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.

Abstract: A dispenser that may be mounted on a wall or a countertop includes a housing having a fin shape. The housing includes a front cover and a back cover. The front cover and back cover define a leading surface and a trailing surface of a fin shape. The dispenser includes a nozzle assembly and the shape of the dispenser creates a dispensing area near the nozzle assembly and the trailing surface of the fin shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing liquid material provide the option to dispense precise and repeatable quantities or volume of material over a wide range of viscosities. In one embodiment, a metering chamber is provided that can be filled and emptied at the same time so as to eliminate time delays between dispensing operations. The material may be under pressure and that pressure is used to fill and empty a metering chamber. In another embodiment, a control device is provided with a metering chamber wherein the control device operates to switch pressurized fluid between two passages to the metering chamber. In a more specific embodiment, the control device may be, for example, a valve, and more specifically in one embodiment a pneumatically actuated spool valve.

Abstract: A dispenser pack for a free-flowing medium includes a metering pump, a container that is tightly connected to said metering pump and that can be ventilated by the pump, and a closing cap. The free-flowing medium within the container is enclosed by a bag made of a flexible material with an upper aperture rim of the bag being tightly connected in one part/piece to a wall of the container, and a space between the inside of the container wall and the outside of the bag being at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A granule dispenser for dispensing granules into a receiving cup, the granule dispenser including a dispenser and a base. The dispenser includes a collector rotatably mounted to the dispenser and configured to receive a predetermined volume of granules. The collector defines a cavity defining a dispensing volume and a port providing access to the cavity. The base supports the dispenser from underneath the dispenser and includes a chute, a support, and a catch plate. The support is configured to releasably mount the receiving cup beneath the chute in a position to receive granules from the chute. The catch plate is spaced beneath the support in a position below the receiving cup when the receiving cup is mounted to the support to catch granules that are not transferred to the receiving cup. In some examples, the collector rotates between a receiving position where the port is positioned to receive granules and a dispensing position where the port is positioned above the chute.

Abstract: An under counter storage and dispensing device for dry flowable consumables is disclosed. The storage dispenser is comprised of a mounting plate adapted for attachment to the underside of a wall kitchen cabinet, a central compartment connected to the mounting plate and configured for storage and dispensing of a dry flowable consumable. The storage dispenser is further comprised of compartments adjacent to the central compartment, which are configured for storage and retrieval of condiments and/or accessories for the dry flowable consumable, e.g. sugar packets, stirrers, filters. These adjacent compartments are also connected to the mounting plate.

Abstract: Fluid dispenser head for mounting on a variable-volume fluid reservoir that has a movable wall. The head has a dispenser orifice, a sealing closure pin that closes the dispenser orifice, a resilient mechanism for urging the pin against the orifice, and a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir. The head further includes a flexible differential membrane respectively defining bottom and top surface areas that are subjected to opposite pressure forces that are exerted by the fluid under pressure, the bottom surface area being substantially smaller than the top surface area, the closure member being formed by the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A closure for a container, and a container incorporating the same, that minimizes or eliminates leakage between the closure and the container holding the liquid. The closure provides a liquid sealing system that allows irregularly shaped closure tops to be used without sacrificing the effectiveness of the liquid seal. In one embodiment, the closure includes a plurality of struts disposed within an annular space that receives a neck portion of the container to create a seating plane that corresponds to a plane formed by the rim of the neck portion.

Abstract: Improvement in a pouring spout for liquids of various viscosities comprising a small tube with adequate diameter and length (1) presenting its distal extremity curved in a cuneiform angle (2) forming a pouring mouth (3), oval or elliptical, angularly oriented downwards, which larger axis (4) extends longitudinally along with such small tube (1) so that its superior extremity or superior distal edge (5) is extended outwards and its inferior opposite edge (6) is retreated backwards.

Abstract: A shirt frame including a fixed frame installed on ground, a model installed on the fixed frame, for supporting a shirt, a front iron installed on the fixed frame and movable towards the model so as to iron a front part of the shirt supported on the model, a rear iron installed on the fixed frame and moveable towards the model so as to iron a rear part of the shirt supported on the model, a sleeve supporter installed on the fixed frame, for stretching a sleeve of the shirt supported on the model, and a lateral stretcher installed on the fixed frame and including at least one rods that are folded and unfolded in both directions with respect to the model so as to stretch lateral surfaces of the shirt supported on the model. The quality of an ironing operation is maximized, and an operating speed of a user is increased. Upper and lower surfaces of a sleeve of shirt are uniformly ironed, sleeves are easily supported, and thus creases of the sleeves are prevented.

Abstract: The time organizing clothes hanger involves a system for hanging garments, which also keeps track of when a garment was last worn or when a garment is to be worn or when a garment is due to be laundered. The time organizing system utilizes sliding panels that connect into and slide along sliding channels located on the clothes hanger. The sliding panels keep track of and indicate a particular day, month, and current status of use of the respective garment. The shape of each hanger includes a specific day of the week that is incorporated into the design. The hanger also includes adjustable clips located along a bottom edge, which enable garments to be clipped there under, and of which the clips do not use a fixed jaw to secure the garments.

Abstract: A holder for holding an electronic device on a wrist includes a band which can be connected around the wrist and a case connected to the band for holding the electronic device securely. The case includes a first receptacle and at least one second receptacle. The first receptacle is used for securing the electronic device to the holder. The at least one second receptacle receives at least one accessory of the electronic device.

Abstract: An adjustable shoulder support harness with a 2-axis pivot assembly, capable of supporting power tools, such as a powered weed trimmer. The support harness distributes the weight of the tool and the woven and elastic straps allow the distance between the tool and the user to be varied, allowing for improved maneuverability of the tool by the user.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polyurethane foam block placed on a vehicle rooftop to protect the vehicle's rooftop from damage during transport of cargo supported thereon, further comprising a generally trapezoidal shape of a length substantially equal than a width of the vehicle, further having a pair of opposing flexible extending ear portions. The bottom surface comprises a corrugated base of foam material to conform to the curvature of the vehicle's rooftop. An elastic fabric covers the device and the ear portions and further comprises a means for receiving rigging material in securing the device to the existing vehicle rooftop and preventing unwanted cargo shifting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof railing for motor vehicles, comprising at least one rack bar and at least one support element associated with the rack bar, wherein the rack bar and support element are provided as separate components. According to the invention, the rack bar as well as the support element are provided as extruded components. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A positioning device of vehicle roof rack of the present invention includes a base, a positioning element, a buckle element, and a fixing element. The base forms a plurality of positioning slots and a connecting slot connecting the positioning slots. The positioning element is disposed slidably on the connecting slot and is able to be received in one of the positioning slots alternatively. An end of the buckle element is fixed to the positioning element by the fixing element, and the other end of the buckle element is to be buckled to a perimeter edge of a vehicle. Thereby, the position the buckle element being buckled to the perimeter edge can be adjusted by moving the positioning element. Thus, the positioning device of vehicle roof rack can be employed on vehicles in different sizes.

Abstract: A holding unit for articles to be carried on an all terrain vehicle, or the like, comprising a mounting base adapted to be secured to various surfaces and components of the vehicle and extending downwardly from a support arm adjustably positioned and securely fixed and at least one article holder having stacked cradles to receive articles to be held in a stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A shopping cart tray apparatus includes a plate that has a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A top side of the plate has a depression therein. A coupler is attached to a bottom of the plate. The coupler is configured to frictionally engage the handle of a shopping cart and support the plate on the handle.

Abstract: There is provided an accessory mounting device for a saddle riding type vehicle. An accessory mounting device for mounting a navigation device on a fuel tank comprises a base body on which the navigation device is mounted, and permanent magnets caused to stick to the fuel tank and thus allowing the base body to be mounted thereon. The permanent magnets are provided on the base body via spherical joints. In this sense, the permanent magnets are caused to stick to the fuel tank in a manner such that directions thereof are changed depending on a shape of the fuel tank, thus obtaining a stable mounting structure. Further, since there is no need to provide flexible members around the permanent magnets, an excellent durability is achieved. Furthermore, the base body comprises a bracket for holding the car navigation device, and an angle of the bracket can be adjusted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.

Abstract: A backpack and cooperating waist bag carrying system is provided. The bag portion of the backpack releasably contains the receiver of a waist bag when the belt of the waist bag is secured around the bearer's waist and the backpack is worn on the bearer's back. The receiver of the waist bag can be moved without having to take off the backpack so that the receiver of the waist bag is disposed to the bearer's front and the bearer can gain access to the contents the receiver. The bearer can then move the receiver back to the lower region of the backpack. The combination of the backpack and the waist bag then will appear to be a normal backpack with a waist belt. While moving the receiver, the waist bag remains operatively connected to the backpack.

Abstract: The present invention provides an independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machine that properly handles perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers.

Abstract: In a gas combustion type fastener driving machine, a fuel gas and air are stirred by a fan within a combustion chamber, a stirred air-fuel gas mixture is burned by an ignition spark, and a striking piston is actuated by a combustion pressure to drive a fastening member. The machine is provided with a fan motor (320) for rotating the fan, and a control circuit board (100) for controlling an action of the fan motor (320). The control circuit board (100) detects an actuation signal for an igniter (310) that generates the ignition spark and controls a rotation speed of the fan motor (320) based on the actuation signal.

Abstract: A clip guide apparatus for installation of decking members to an underlying joist structure by means of a clip with a pneumatic screw gun. The clip guide apparatus is comprised of a guide apparatus and a clip installation guide which are attached to the screw gun. The clip installation guide slides in the guide apparatus in response to the operative movement of the screw gun to advance the clip into a decking member. The clip is secured in position with a screw fastener whereby the decking member is secured to the underlying joist structure.

Abstract: A driving tool with a driver and a motor-driven flywheel that can be engaged by the driver to propel the driver along a driver axis. The driving tool includes a return mechanism with a rail onto which the driver is received. The rail extends parallel to the driver axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a remotely controllable user interface, and a firing drive configured to generate a rotary firing motion upon a first actuation of the remotely controllable user interface and a rotary refraction motion upon an other actuation of remotely controllable user interface. The instrument is such that when the remotely controllable user interface operates a first drive member, the first actuation advances a cutting member a first distance, wherein, when the remotely controllable user interface operates a second drive member, the other actuation retracts the cutting member a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A friction stir tool has an axis of rotation and a welding tip that is made of powdered metal material.

Abstract: Inflatable rings for supporting friction welding workpieces, and associated systems and methods. A support assembly for joining multiple workpieces in a representative embodiment includes a carriage and a generally ring-shaped support member that in turn includes a body and at least one inflatable member carried by the body and positioned to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron includes a soldering iron head, a sensor, a control unit, an air suction fan, a filtering unit, and an output unit. The control unit is connected to the sensor, the air suction fan, the filtering unit, and the output unit. The air suction fan is connected to the output unit through the filtering unit. The soldering iron head can be used to melt rosin and solder. When the sensor detects there is smoke near the soldering iron head, the sensor outputs a signal to the control unit. The control unit controls the air suction fan, the filtering unit, and the output unit to operate according to the signal. The air suction fan draws the smoke in and outputs the smoke to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters harmful ingredients from the smoke. The output unit outputs the filtered smoke.

Abstract: To improve reliability of a semiconductor device, in a flip-chip bonding step, a solder material that is attached to a tip end surface of a projecting electrode in advance and a solder material that is applied in advance over a terminal (bonding lead) are heated and thereby integrated and electrically connected to each other. The terminal includes a wide part (a first portion) with a first width W1 and a narrow part (a second portion) with a second width W2. When the solder material is heated, the thickness of the solder material arranged over the narrow part becomes smaller than the thickness of the solder material arranged in the wide part. Then, in the flip-chip bonding step, a projecting electrode is arranged over the narrow part and bonded onto the narrow part. Thus, the amount of protrusion of the solder material can be reduced.

Abstract: A solder paste transfer process is provided and includes defining an arrangement of solder pad locations on a surface, applying solder paste onto a transfer tool in a pre-defined configuration reflective of the arrangement, disposing the transfer tool in an inverted orientation proximate to the surface and reflowing the solder paste to flow from the transfer tool to the solder pad locations.