Abstract: A disposable beverage cup is provided to be received by a cup holder having a cup engagement means associated with an opening of the cup holder. The beverage cup comprises a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the base to define a cup opening, and at least one projection disposed substantially horizontally on an outer surface of the sidewall a predetermined height above the base, the projection extending a predetermined distance outwardly from the sidewall. The at least one projection is configured to engage with the cup holder cup engagement means to retain the cup in the cup holder such that the cup is twisted a predetermined angle about a longitudinal axis of the cup to release the cup projection from engagement with the cup holder engagement means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical barrier which prevents tampering with a filler pipe on an underground storage tank for gasoline, fuel, chemicals, or other valuable liquids. The barrier fits within a cylindrical metal liner that surrounds the filler pipe. The barrier includes two spaced posts with semi-circular brackets at their lower ends, for securement about the filler pipe. An annular plate is secured between the upper ends of the post. A lock fits into a cut-out in the plate. A plunger within the lock is extended through an opening at the upper end of one post to maintain the barrier in locked position around the filler pipe, to prevent unauthorized withdrawal of or tampering with the contents of the tank.

Abstract: A device for use with a paint can or other container, the device being adapted for use as a brush holder and/or a wiper bar for removing excess paint from a brush. In an embodiment the device can selectively press-fit-engage the rim of a selected container and a bar member can extend at least partially across the opening of the selected container.

Abstract: A container lid for placement on the mouth of a container is designed to prevent the unwanted removal of fluids from the container. The container lid includes a beverage dispensing chamber having an open first chamber end, a closed second chamber end and at least one chamber sidewall extending from the first chamber end to the second chamber end. The beverage dispensing chamber includes a spout chamber which includes an open end and a closed end connected by a wall. The wall includes a valve slit which forms a valve flap having a memory closure mechanism to render the valve slit effectively impermeable to fluid absent force upon the valve slit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a receptacle for attachment to the edge of a horizontal work surface, comprising a mounting bracket that is adapted to slideably engage the edge of a work surface, and a waste container that is removably attachable to the bracket. The bracket includes an open center area forming an aperture for accepting and holding the waste container in a working position. The bracket can be attached without the use of specialized mounting hardware. Debris can be moved from the edge of the work surface, and deposited into the receptacle. The device can be installed and removed as needed, which prevents the need for permanent installation.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge for a medication dispensing apparatus having an auto locking function, the cartridge including a cartridge case; a drum; a cartridge base; and a driving means, wherein a hollow cylinder having a coupling groove drilled therein is formed at a center of a bottom of the drum, a lifting body having an elastic protrusion elastically coupled to the coupling groove is inserted into the cylinder, wherein, when a rotation shaft of the driving means is inserted into the cylinder, the lifting body moves upward and then the elastic protrusion is separated from the coupling groove, whereas, when the rotation shaft of the driving means is separated from the cylinder, the lifting body moves downward and then the elastic protrusion is coupled to the coupling groove.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly having a container and an insert secured within the container. The insert includes a product cartridge defining a product containing space and a dispensing body having a dispenser receptacle. The product containing space has a first opening through which product exits, and the dispenser receptacle has a second opening at least partially offset from the first opening through which product enters the dispenser receptacle. The dispenser assembly further includes a push-button assembly attacked to the insert, including a button that moves between first and second positions. The button has an orifice defined therein in communication with one of the first or second openings when in the first position and with the other of the first or second openings when in the second position, such that the button permits transmittal of product between the first and second openings when moved between the first and second positions.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge for a medication dispensing apparatus having a roll-rotating drum, the cartridge including a cartridge case having an open outlet formed on a bottom thereof so as to dispense medication; a drum installed inside of the cartridge case so as to selectively open and/or close the outlet; and a cartridge base having the cartridge case installed thereto, wherein projections projected downward and grooves recessed upward are formed on a bottom of the drum, alternatively, and a concave-convex part having protruding portion protruding upward are formed on a bottom surface of the cartridge case at intervals.

Abstract: With a substantially intermediate position as a starting point, a syringe is reciprocated in an X-axial direction with a given reciprocation range by a plurality of times, and a stringiness portion that hangs down from a paste discharge port toward a mask plate is cut off in an intermediate portion thereof. The syringe is traveled to the substantially intermediate position, and with this position as a starting point, the syringe is reciprocated with a reciprocation range smaller than the reciprocation range of the paste cutting operation, and a part of the residual paste hanging from the paste shakes off downward. The syringe is traveled in an end direction of a guide member side, the syringe is rotated about an axial line, and translated into a horizontal storage posture.

Abstract: A powder supply device 1 includes a powder feed pipe, at least part of which is an expansion/contraction part, a load cell, a pressure indicator, and a controller, wherein the controller obtains a powder weight or a rate of change in powder weight in the feed tank by using a value obtained by subtracting a value proportional to the pressure in the expansion/contraction part from the load applied by the feed tank to the load cell and adding a value proportional to a rate of change in pressure in the expansion/contraction part, and controls the flow rate of the powder to be fed to the outside of the feed tank by using the powder weight or the rate of change in powder weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods to dispense various liquids, foams and sprays, of various viscosities, such as, for example, paints and stains, from a self-contained wearable apparatus are presented. These devices use an inner container/outer container technology. A device can be provided that is portable and self-contained, can be worn by a user, and can utilize pre-filled containers of the product to be dispensed, thus obviating use of a separate paint container. Novel performs for the manufacture and blowing of multi-layer bottles are also presented, including an outside layer, and two or more inside layers. The outer layer and the two or more inner containers may each be separately injection molded, or the outer container and one of the inner containers may be 2K molded, thus saving significant manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: A melter includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and located within a heated housing. The heated housing heats the pump during startup and regular operation of the adhesive melter, thereby reducing delays in operation caused by slow warming of adhesive within the pump. The heated housing may be a manifold in fluid communication with the reservoir and with fluid outlets in some embodiments, but the heated housing may also be a separate heat block. In either type of embodiment, the pump is configured to be inserted cartridge-style into the heated housing and held in position using a single locking fastener. Additional elements such as insulating external housings and mounting hooks may also be used to further encourage conductive heat transfer into the structure surrounding the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water supply apparatus capable of performing a backup operation, without lowering water supply capability, when a failure has occurred in one control substrate due to surge or noise caused by lightning or due to lifetimes of various sensors, by switching to the other control substrate, and capable of reliably performing the backup operation by means of devices that prevent failure of the control substrates. The water supply apparatus (1) includes: a plurality of pumps (3); a plurality of inverters (INV) each configured to change and control a rotational frequency of a corresponding one of the plurality of pumps (3); and a plurality of control substrates (CN) configured to control the plurality of inverters (INV). When an abnormality occurs in one control substrate, other control substrate backs up the one control substrate to thereby allow the water supply apparatus to continue its operations.

Abstract: A driving unit for a caulking gun includes at least two push portions respectively located on two respective rear ends of at least two tubes of a dual-tube unit so as to push material in the at least two tubes toward an outlet on a front end of the dual-tube unit. At least one connection portion is connected between the at least two push portions and a blade is formed on the front end of the at least one connection portion. The blade cuts two adjacent walls of the dual-tube unit so that the at least two push portions are moved forward when the driving unit is pushed forward. The materials in the at least two tubes are mixed and quickly solidified.

Abstract: A container for mixing two fluids includes: a container, a pouring cylinder; an upward facing step portion, a cap whose inner circumferential surface is screwed onto an outer circumferential surface of the pouring cylinder, a small container placed on an inner side of the cap; a cuttable first sheet that forms a bottom surface of the small container, a removable cylinder provided at a bottom end of the cap and interposed between the cap and the upward facing step portion, and a first cutter that is provided on the container so as to face a bottom surface of the small container that is placed on the inner side of the cap. The small container is made to approach the first container, and the first sheet is then cut by the first cutter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel electrolytic process for removing impurities from the inner surface of a metallic container. The process is particularly useful for cleaning process reactors used for culturing microorganisms, and storage tanks used for storing metabolites formed in the process reactor, as well as containers for dairy products.

Abstract: A shield for a fluid dispenser includes a mount structure and a fluid-deflecting structure defining an interior flow passage. The mount structure is configured to be attached to an actuator of a fluid dispenser. Fluid dispensers and fluid dispenser systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping container unloader having an expandable supporter, a pallet receiver supported by the extendable supporter, and a material director supported by the pallet receiver.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispensers are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a container for holding a fluid and a pump housing secured to the container. The pump housing includes an annular collar for securing the pump housing to the container. The pump housing includes an air chamber and a vent valve located at least partially within the air chamber. One or more air passageways are provided in the collar for providing air to the air chamber. A compressible liquid pump chamber is also located in the housing. The exemplary embodiment includes a liquid inlet valve for allowing liquid to flow from the container into the compressible pump chamber; and a liquid outlet valve located downstream of the pump chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container (1) comprising a deformable container body (2) with at least one compartment, for containing a flowable liquid, semi-liquid, 5 or jellified product having a viscosity lower than 1 Pa·s at 20 C, and at least one dispensing opening (4) for dispensing said product, which is located in a spout element (3), said container having a capacity of at least 10 ml, preferably at least 50 ml, characterized in that the functional cross-section of said at least one opening is fixed and comprised between 0.002 mm2 and 7 mm2., preferably between 0.008 mm2 and 0.8 mm2, more preferably between 0.03 mm2 and 0.4 mm2, and most preferably between 0.07 mm2 and 0.2 mm2, such that said product flows through said opening only after an external force of at least 0.5 kg, preferably at least 1 kg, more preferably at least 3 kg, is exerted onto the container body walls which is directed towards the inside of said body.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a component 112, 165 for a fluid dispenser 110 which defines a dosing chamber 120 for a piston member 114 to stroke in and has an end 160 adapted for engaging a fluid outlet 152 of the fluid dispenser or a seal 154 which overlies the fluid outlet 152 to selectively close and open the fluid outlet 152 or seal 154. Other aspects are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A portion distribution device for portioning substances from a container in pre-defined increments is disclosed. The portion distribution device includes a portion divider having a portion opening, and a measurement chamber body rotatively coupled to the portion divider. The measurement chamber body includes a plurality of chambers equal in volume and a base joined to the plurality of chambers, with the base constructed to be selectively connected to the container. The portion distribution device also includes a lid rotatively coupled to the measurement chamber body, with the lid further including a top surface having at least one lid opening formed therethrough, at least one flap operative to close the at least one lid opening, and a rod extending downward from the top surface, through the measurement chamber body, and coupled to the portion divider.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for use in a nozzle exchange device in a continuous metal casting apparatus comprises a loading opening and guiding means for sliding the nozzle unit through said opening into casting position with respect to the nozzle exchange device, wherein said nozzle unit comprises a nozzle plate made of a refractory material clad in a metal can. In order to prevent said plate from being presented to the loading opening with the wrong orientation, i.e., with the trailing edge first, said plate is provided with at least one lug at or adjacent the trailing edge, said at least one lug disposed such that the loading opening allows engagement of the base of the nozzle plate but not of the at least one lug.

Abstract: A garment transportation and storage device comprises a support rod at the bottom, a hook at the top, and a ball-shaped handle between the support rod and the hook for transporting garments supported on the support rod by hangers and for engaging the hook with a support structure. An article transportation and storage device comprises an inverted U-shaped frame, a support rod slidably engageable with the frame, and a hook mounted on the frame for pivotal movement between extended and retracted positions. A garment receiving and supporting hanger is provided with an inflatable garment protection device that prevents wrinkling of garments supported by the hanger. A garment transportation and support device comprises opposed garment engaging arms that pivot outwardly to securely support a garment.

Abstract: A modular sling for firearms, especially for tactical operators such as Military and Police officers or for others who have a need to carry a firearm. The sling is attachable to the firearm using either a single point or two-point attachment, and may include an extendable portion. The extendable portion may be replaced by a non-extendable portion in modular fashion. The sling includes a quick length adjustment module.

Abstract: A arm stabilizer configured with a stretchable elastic member having a first end and a second end, an adjustable shoulder sling hingedly connected to the first end of said stretchable member, and a fixed hand sling hingedly connected to the second end of the stretchable member and, thus configured to be worn by a marksman with an extended aiming and firing arm and is not affixed to the firearm, is light in weight, easy to transport, and quick installation enables stabile aiming and firing accurately at a target.

Abstract: This is a reminder bag carrier which contains four small container bags. Each of these small container bags holds a larger bag intended to be used for shopping. The zippered reminder bag carrier may be conveniently attached to a car door as a reminder for the user to take their shopping bags into the store, as may be required by law. Alternatively, the user may carry the zippered bag by attaching it to his or her person or purse by means of the Velcro handle strap. This is intended to remind the user to take needed shopping bags into a store, thus negating the necessity of buying paper bags or using plastic bags which are presently freely issued. (Anticipated laws, beginning January, 2013, will ban the use of plastic bags and necessitate a charge of 10 cents for each paper bag. Eventually paper bags will also be banned.) This is a reminder bag carrier may also contain devices or items of necessity to the artist, journalist, musician or any person who needs items of personal importance.

Abstract: A knapsack includes a main body, a strap, and a pull ring. The main body has a receiving space which has a mounting portion which is connected with an air inflation bottle which has an output terminal which has a pin. The strap has is connected with the main body and has a safety air bag which is connected to the output terminal of the air inflation bottle. The pull ring is extended into the strap and is connected with the pin. Thus, when the safety air bag is triggered, the safety air bag is expanded to surround the user's body, so that the knapsack can buffer the shock and protect the user's body.

Abstract: A Front-Back Pack that provides the ability to easily and quickly transition a pack from a back position to a front position without the need to remove the pack from the body of a user. The Front-Back Pack includes a harness system with attached pack. The harness system may include a system of straps to keep a plurality of looped slide rail assemblies in position and to prevent the slide rail assemblies from moving. Alternatively, the harness system may include a half-vest or full-vest with slide rail assemblies fixedly attached. The slide rail assemblies are formed to receive trucks able to traverse the track assembly. The trucks are fixedly attached to packs which allow the packs to traverse the length of the track assembly from one position to another without the need to remove the pack from the body of a user.

Abstract: An interchangeable cover for a backpack, diaper bag, or a bag made with straps that are worn over the shoulder.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the nip force between a fixed roll having a first longitudinal axis and a pivoting roll pivotable about a pivot axis and having a second longitudinal axis is disclosed.

Abstract: A flat clinch assembly fits upon or within a base of a stapling device. The assembly preferably includes a slot with extended resiliently biased arms or toggles, where a rest position has the arms at or near a level of a working surface. An ejecting staple deflects and energizes the arms to cause the arms to rotate and create a clearance recess whereby points of the staple legs slide inward along the anvil. A restorative bias acting on the arms causes the arms to rebound to a rest position and to bend the legs upward. The legs thereby are normally pressed flat against the back sheet of a paper stack at the working surface. The arms or toggles are lightweight whereby the inertia of a fast moving staple moves the arms or toggles.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing, an end effector, fasteners, and one or more surgical buttresses. The end effector is secured to the housing and has first and second jaw assemblies. The first jaw assembly defines slots and the second jaw assembly defines pockets. One or both of the first and second jaw assemblies define recesses. The fasteners are disposed in the slots of the first jaw assembly and are formed by the pockets of the second jaw assembly. The one or more surgical buttresses have a body that includes plugs that are integrally formed with the body for insertion into the recesses to secure the surgical buttress(es) to one or both of the first and second jaw assemblies. The body substantially overlies at least some of the slots of the first jaw assembly and/or at least some of the pockets of the second jaw assembly.

Abstract: A release tool is provided for an end effector with a pair of jaw members and a drive beam assembly configured for axial movement through the pair of jaw members. The release tool includes an elongate body member, a gripping assembly, and a release bar. The gripping assembly is secured to the elongate body member and is configured to secure the elongate body member to the end effector. The release bar is supported by the elongate body member and is axially movable relative to elongate body member. The release bar is configured to engage a beam of the drive beam assembly to retract the beam to a proximal position when the beam is disposed in a position distal of the proximal position.

Abstract: A surgical kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a surgical instrument, a loading unit, and a plurality of cartridge members. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, and an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis. The loading unit is configured for selective engagement with a distal portion of the elongated portion. The loading unit including an anvil assembly and a cartridge channel. Each cartridge member includes a plurality of retention slots with at least some of the slots including fasteners therein. Each cartridge member is configured for selective mechanical engagement with the cartridge channel, and includes a longitudinal length and a working length. The working length is the longitudinal distance along retention slots having fasteners therein. The longitudinal length of each cartridge member is substantially the same, and the working length of at least two of the plurality of cartridge members is different.

Abstract: An introducer accessory for being fitted with a circular stapler, the circular stapler comprising an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly, the staple cartridge assembly including a staple cylinder (1) and a staple cartridge (2) being mutually fixed, wherein the introducer accessory at least comprises a sleeve portion (4) sleeved around a distal end of the circular stapler and an introducing portion (6) disposed at a distal end of the sleeve portion (4); a maximum outer diameter of the introducing portion (6) is equal to a minimum outer diameter of the sleeve portion (4); the introducing portion (6) is a spiral member, one end of a spiral wire of the spiral member is connected with a traction member and the other end is connected with the sleeve portion. A part of the introducer accessory or the whole introducer accessory can be pulled out from the circular stapler in one piece in the form of a strip.

Abstract: An ultra-fine pitch wedge bonding tool and method for its manufacture are disclosed. The wedge tool is formed with a foot width calculated to enable accurate bonding of wires separated at an ultra-fine pitch. The wedge tool is made out of a tungsten carbide alloy having characteristics conforming to specified constraints that lead to improved performance and enable the use of thicker wire. A pocket is formed at the tip of the wedge tool and a wire feeding hole is formed from the rear side of the tool and exiting inside the pocket, at an elevation above the bonding foot. Side walls are provided on both sides of the pocket to guide the wire exiting the feed hole inside the pocket towards the bonding foot.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling a vibration welding system includes collecting sensory data during formation of a welded joint using sensors positioned with respect to welding interfaces of a work piece. A host machine extracts a feature set from a welding signature collectively defined by the sensory data, compares and correlates the feature set with validated information in a library, and executes a control action(s) when the present feature set insufficiently matches the information. A welding system includes a sonotrode, sensors, and the host machine. The host machine is configured to execute the method noted above.

Abstract: A welding tool for connecting at least two workpieces at a connection region by friction stir welding includes a shoulder that separates the connection region from the surroundings. The shoulder is designed as a molding tool to mold during the friction stir welding.

Abstract: A connecting method of a single core electric wire to a stranded electric wire which can prevent a contact resistance from increasing is provided. The connecting method includes a tube inserting process that a single core wire and a twisted wire are respectively inserted from openings and of a tubular joint terminal having a single core wire inserting part from an end part to a prescribed position in an interior side and a twisted wire inserting part from the other end part to the single core wire inserting part in the interior side, and a metallic bond process that an end face contacts under pressure with an end face and the single core electric wire is rotated in a twisting direction of the twisted wire to metallically bond the end faces.

Abstract: A metallized film-over-foam contact suitable for circuit grounding of surface mount technology devices generally includes a silicone foam resilient core member, a solderable electrically conductive layer, and an adhesive bonding the solderable electrically conductive layer to the resilient core member. The adhesive has no more than a maximum of 900 parts per million chlorine, no more than a maximum of 900 parts per million bromine, and no more than a maximum of 1,500 parts per million total halogens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing box in which the size and shape of an accommodation space are easily changeable to ensure convenient use of the contents. The packing box includes a rectangular bottom member and four sidewall members adapted to be erected at an outer perimeter of the bottom member, thereby defining an accommodation space having an open top. The sidewall members are divided into a pair of fixed sidewall members disposed facing each other to be vertically erected and fixed, and a pair of rotating sidewall members disposed facing each other between the fixed sidewall members to be inclined to an outside of the bottom member with respect to a vertical position thereof. The packing box includes at least one covering member to cover a gap between the fixed sidewall member and the rotating sidewall member when the rotating sidewalls are inclined.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a more efficient and user friendly mechanism for sharing content among users. The approach includes determining a first request from a first device for sharing at least one content item; causing, at least in part, a generation of a graphical code representing, at least in part, the at least one content item, wherein the graphical code is unique to the first request; causing, at least in part, a presentation of the graphical code at the first device; and causing, at least in part, a transfer of the at least one content item from the first device to a second device based, at least in part, on a scanning of the graphical code by the second device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for tracking modifications in a document. One or more fields in the document are defined. The modifications in the document are then tracked. Thereafter, a machine-readable code (MRC) is generated based on the recorded modifications. The MRC is then embedded in the document. The MRC may be scanned any time to view the information on the modifications.

Abstract: A method of mobile optical recognition involves equipping authorized parties with a tag capable of generating a light spectrum signal. A step is taken of sending from a mobile device having a scanner a signal interrogating the tag. A further step is then taken of capturing with the scanner an image of a generated light spectrum signal generated by the tag in response to interrogation by the mobile device. A final step involves comparing the generated light spectrum signal with an anticipated light spectrum signal stored in a database to verify authenticity.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is able to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read by the card reader from the card. The banking operations include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. In an example embodiment, the machine is operative to produce an audio output including verbal information through a headphone port to a headphone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating, reading and transferring identifiers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handheld system for associating a selected audio content with an object includes an identifier applied to a surface of the object and having a predetermined graphical format that is configured to encode the selected audio content, and a handheld device operable to encode the identifier and further operable to detect an audio content associated with the identifier.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: A battery charging system for an electric vehicle in which an addressable RFID tag, an RFID receiver, an electrical charger, and a controller operate to charge the battery of an electric vehicle according to a user profile and a charging profile in response to a signal received by the RFID reader from the RFID tag. In an interconnected system, multiple charging stations are connected to the electrical power grid and communicate with a central controller through communications links. A grid converter can be provided to allow for backfilling power from an electric vehicle to the power grid in response to a command from the central controller.

Abstract: An access control system for controlling access to an enclosed area, the access control system comprising a radio-frequency communication module configured to receive a card identification signal, a mode module configured to determine an operational mode of the access control system, the operational modes including a standalone mode and a network mode, a communication module configured to authenticate the card identification signal by transmitting the card identification signal to an access control server when the access control system is determined to be operating in the network mode, a local authentication module configured to authenticate the card identification signal against entries of one or more internal tables stored in the access control system when the access control system is determined to be operating in the standalone mode, and a local input/output module configured to send a signal to unlock a door at an entrance to the enclosed area when the card identification signal has been successfully auth