Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to locking mechanisms for levers operable to mount a tractor unit to a guide track and to engage a drive gear of the tractor unit to a track gear of the guide track. The levers for mounting the tractor unit and/or to engage the drive gear are lockable in a closed position. The closed position relates to a state of the levers when the tractor unit is mounted on the guide track or when the drive gear is engaged with the track gear. The levers can be easily operable to mount/dismount or engage/disengage, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments involve smart device fabrication for semiconductor processing tools via precision patterning. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor processing tool component includes providing a substrate of the semiconductor processing tool component, patterning the substrate to form a sensor directly on the substrate, and depositing a top layer over the sensor. The sensor may include, for example, a temperature or strain sensor. The method can also include patterning the substrate to form one or more of: heaters, thermistors, and electrodes on the substrate. In one embodiment, the method involves patterning a surface of the component oriented towards a plasma region inside of the semiconductor processing tool.

Abstract: A contact-type testing device that has a heating plate capable of being heated and in which a desired test is conducted while a test object is in contact with the heating plate, the contact-type testing device including: a heating member that heats the heating plate, wherein the heating member includes: a plurality of strips of heat generation bodies; and a power feeding section that feeds electricity to the heat generation bodies, wherein the heat generation bodies are distributed in a planar manner, and a group or all of the heat generation bodies are parallel-connected, wherein a part or all of the heat generation bodies have a steep temperature/resistance characteristic, and resistance values of the heat generation bodies increase with temperature, and wherein the heating member is disposed to face the heating plate, and a gap is provided between the heating plate and the heating member.

Abstract: Heating device includes: heater (2) with heating portion (6) generating heat by energization; housing (4) contains the heating portion and forms passage (18) for a heating medium between the housing and the heating portion; temperature detection means (26) detects, in the passage, temperature (T) inside the housing due to heat of the heating medium and the heating portion; and energization controlling means (40) for turning energization of the heater on/off depending on the temperature detected inside the housing. Energization of the heater is turned off to put the heater in an energization standby state if temperature detected inside the housing is equal to or greater than a first specified threshold (TS1), and is turned off to put the heater in an energization complete stop state if the temperature detected inside the housing in the energization standby state is equal to or greater than a second specified threshold (TS2).

Abstract: A mechanism for indicating ambient temperature of an enclosure from temperatures determined within the enclosure. The temperatures may be obtained from two or more sensors at each of two or more locations within the enclosure. The enclosure may include an apparatus inside such as electronics of which power consumption may be determined. Data including temperatures of two locations within the enclosure at various electronics power consumption levels may be entered into a 2-D plot. An approximation of the 2-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature. The data of the 2-D plot plus temperatures of a third location and air flow levels in the enclosure may be entered into a 3-D plot. An approximation of the 3-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature.

Abstract: A mechanism for indicating ambient temperature of an enclosure from temperatures determined within the enclosure. The temperatures may be obtained from two or more sensors at each of two or more locations within the enclosure. The enclosure may include an apparatus inside such as electronics of which power consumption may be determined. Data including temperatures of two locations within the enclosure at various electronics power consumption levels may be entered into a 2-D plot. An approximation of the 2-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature. The data of the 2-D plot plus temperatures of a third location and air flow levels in the enclosure may be entered into a 3-D plot. An approximation of the 3-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to systems and methods related to repeatable and accurate setting of welding torch lead and lag positions, particularly with orbital welding systems. Specifically, a torch is coupled with a lead-lag coupler having a stop lug. A stop set with a stop pin is rotated to a desired position of lead or lag and secured. The lead-lag coupler, and torch which rotates therewith, are then unsecured and rotated until the stop lug contacts the stop pin. In this position, the torch is maintained at the desired angle. The stop pin remains in place throughout operation(s) to permit quick, accurate return to the desired angle if the torch is temporarily moved out of position.

Abstract: A welding system for applying a weld to a workpiece, the welding system including a frame, a welding torch mounted on the frame, the welding torch including an electrode; a wire guide adapted to direct a wire toward the electrode; a wire alignment assembly including a fixture frame having a wire guide holder mounted thereon, the wire guide being supported on the wire guide holder, wherein the wire alignment assembly includes multiple degrees of freedom for adjusting the position of the wire guide as needed for a given welding operation.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to controlling a welding system having a tractor welder engaged with a track by utilizing a pendant component that is configured to receive an input from a user and displaying data via a graphical display. The pendant component includes one or more inputs that correspond to data displayed, wherein the one or more inputs include a first toggle switch and a second toggle switch, an encoder knob, a first set of buttons and a second set of buttons.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to adjusting at least one of an arc current for a welding operation, an arc voltage for a welding operation, a wire feed speed for a welding operation, or a height of a torch that performs the welding operation. In particular, a parameter can be updated based upon, for instance, a user input, and the arc current, arc voltage, wire feed speed, or the height of the torch can be calibrated to perform the welding operation. Specifically, while a parameter is being adjusted or transitioned to the setting received via user input, the height of the torch and/or at least one of the arc current level, the arc voltage, the wire feed speed is maintained until the setting is achieved for the parameter. Once the parameter is at the setting, a second arc current level, a second arc voltage, a second wire feed speed, or second height for the torch is implemented to perform the welding operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a low-pressure turbine blade from a TiAl material by means of a selective laser melting process, wherein during production in the selective laser melting process the already partially manufactured low-pressure turbine blade is preheated by inductive heating, and wherein the selective laser melting process is carried out under protective gas, the protective gas atmosphere containing contaminants of oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor in each case of less than or equal to 10 ppm.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carrier fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.

Abstract: A microwave range includes a main body having a cooking chamber therein; and a tray unit in the cooking chamber, in which the tray unit is configured to rotate food on a first plane and a second plane, the second plane being is orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a processing chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall, and configured to accommodate an object to be processed; a microwave introducing unit configured to generate a microwave for heating the object and introduce the microwave into the processing chamber; a plurality of supporting members configured to make contact with the object and support the object in the processing chamber. The microwave heating apparatus further includes a dielectric member provided between the object supported by the supporting members and the bottom wall while being apart from the object.

Abstract: Dielectric in situ heating of materials using a resonant, non-radiating transformer. The target material is strategically formed into a part of the capacitance of the resonant system. The system may be used to heat in situ materials such as oilsands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel robust, reusable, modular shipping container for protecting large, fragile, odd-shaped, or high-value cargo (e.g., telecommunications cabinets, appliances and furniture) from damage during shipment. The shipping container minimizes the possibility of shipping damage due to improper handling, tip-overs, lateral collisions, or vibration. The shipping container comprises: a pallet base, a lower frame section, an upper frame section, and a top cover.

Abstract: A container (12), for the meterable dispensing of a fluid, includes a first closable reservoir (10), for a first fluid, that can be connected by means of a connection device (13) with a separate, second, closable reservoir (11) to establish a system. The connection device (13) has an insertion base (15) and an insertion groove (14) for each closable reservoir (11). The insertion base (15) of the first reservoir (10) is insertable into the insertion groove (14) of the second reservoir (11) and the insertion base (15) of the second reservoir (11) into the insertion groove (14) of the first reservoir (10). The insertion base (15) of the first reservoir acts as a stop for the insertion base (15) of the second reservoir (11) and the insertion base (15) of the second reservoir (11) acts as a stop for the insertion base (15) of the first reservoir (10).

Abstract: A cover system for a storage pond formed using a liner is disclosed. A cover flap, a liner flap and an anchor flap are preassembled either off-site at a factory or on-site. The anchor flap is disposed in an anchor trench and the anchor trench is backfilled. The liner is deployed and the perimeter is welded to the liner flap. The cover is deployed and the perimeter is welded to the cover flap. The above welding is preferably fusion welding and could take place in any order.

Abstract: A floating cover for covering a liquid storage comprises an inflatable bladder kept under continuous positive gas pressure. A preferred embodiment has a plurality of discrete inflatable bladder segments positioned on a common plane in abutting relation to form an inflatable bladder assembly. A gas communication conduit extends between the bladder segments for communication of positive gas pressure between the bladder segments.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in the form of a neck for a plastic bottle or other plastic container. The neck includes an external thread with a constant major diameter that can engage with a bottle cap with an internal thread. The neck has an internal surface with an irregular shape where the internal diameter proximate to the top sealing surface is greater than the internal diameter proximate to the side wall of the plastic bottle. The internal surface of the neck engages with a fitment inserted into the neck of the plastic container to prevent movement of the fitment.

Abstract: A cover for a container, the container having an opening proximate the top thereof and having three or more corners proximate the opening. The container has a bead proximate the opening which circumscribes the top portion of the container near the opening. The cover includes a downwardly depending skirt that releasably secures the cover in a closed position on the container to at least two corners of the container. The cover further has a plurality of protrusions on the skirt exposed substantially parallel to the lower edge of the downwardly depending skirt around the corners of the cover. Each protrusion may be sized, constructed and arranged for engaging a bead which circumscribes the container whereby tension placed on the cover when removing the cover from one corner of the container generates additional force on the remaining corner thus making the cover harder to open.

Abstract: Food packages comprising a tray with a cover sealed about a surrounding flange of the tray are provided, where the flange is non-planar. The flange can have a planar leading edge and a planar trailing edge that lie in planes angled relative to each other. Side edges of the flange extending between the leading and trailing edges can include non-planar segments in addition to planar segments. A recloseable feature can also be provided with the cover.

Abstract: A full aperture unseamed can end having a vent test rating of at least 90 psi comprising a center panel having an periphery and including a coined portion proximate a rivet, a first score defining a removable panel, a tab, including a nose, mounted to of the removable panel, and a second score disposed on the removable panel, the second score having (i) a central portion spaced apart from the coined portion; (ii) a pair of check slots disposed on either side of the central portion; (iii) a pair of lateral portions that extend from the check slots; and (iv) a pair of side portions that extend from the lateral portions, respectively.

Abstract: A can end and a tab configured to couple to the can end and a related method are provided. The can end is continuous. The tab is configured to couple to the can end with a post, which couples the tab to the can end without passing through the can end.

Abstract: A container (10) for holding granular or powdered material. The container (10) includes walls, a collar (14), a lid (16) and a latch (200). The walls define an interior space (26) and an upper portion, the upper portion defining a sealing flange (30) and an opening to the interior space. The collar (14) is attached to the upper portion. The lid 816) is attached to the collar (14) for positioning between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to cover the opening while in the closed position. The latch (200) is attached to an outer surface of the lid (16). The latch may have an actuator (202) rotatable in two directions relative to the lid and detachably engaged to a catch (220) which protrudes from an outside surface of the collar (14).

Abstract: A combination cup receptacle and cup container assembly for instant food products such as instant soup is disclosed. The assembly includes a hollow cup receptacle having a central ring and a peripherally extending support base for holding and retaining a cup container holding a quantity of food ingredients. The central ring of the cup receptacle forms a cavity to frictionally receive and retain the cup container with the cup container in contact with the bottom of the receptacle cup cavity. The cup receptacle has venting means for preventing pressure differentials between support base of the cup receptacle and an external support surface such as a table top. The cup may be utilized as packaging for instant soup or other food products and the cup receptacle may be included as part of the packaging or provided as a separate item.

Abstract: A beverage container identifier that is for marking ones beverage container. The beverage container identifier sits straddled on top of the rim of the beverage container. The shape being optional in design sits atop the rim of the beverage container so that said beverage container is recognizable.

Abstract: A combination lid and brush wiping device for use with paint containers having a bi-directional opening. The lid has a brush dipping aperture that allows for a paintbrush to be dipped into the paint container, turned, and upon the act of removing the paint brush from the container, removing the excess paint from the brush. The lid has a second piece that snaps onto the first piece for storage purposes, further creating a semi-permanent multi-functional paint container cover and lid.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a panel opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plug body including an interior portion and an exterior portion. The exterior portion of the plug body includes a pair of opposed sealing surfaces forming an annular ring. The apparatus also includes a locking blade extending from the interior portion of the plug body across the exterior portion of the plug body. The locking blade is configured to rest in a first position disposed within the annular ring and a second position extending beyond the annular ring.

Abstract: A medication adherence and container system for informing a patient when it is time to and not to take medication; for storing medicine information sheets with the medicine containers; and holding the medicine containers in arranged clusters, having containers and caps which interact between each other as switches with the electrical circuits provided. The electrical circuits have a timing device which can be set for a predetermined elapsed time and provides a continuous signal, such as a colored light, during the running of said predetermined time to indicate “not to take medication” and then provides a different signal, such as a different colored light, when the predetermined time has lapsed to indicate “take medication” and continues that signal until being reset upon breaking the electrical circuit between cap and container and restarting the timing device on closing the circuit between cap and container for measuring another predetermined elapsed time.

Abstract: This drug-supplying device is provided with: a rotator that discharges drugs towards the outer diameter by being rotated; a drug shape-specifying unit for specifying the shape of the drug; and a control unit that rotates the rotator at a rotational speed specified, on the basis of a speed table that correlates drug shape to rotator rotational speed, by the shape that has been specified by a drug-detecting unit.

Abstract: An integrated tissue dispensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tissue dispensing container configured to hold at least one tissue, the tissue dispensing container comprising a front face, a top face, a back face positioned opposite to the front face, a left side face, a bottom face, and a right side face positioned opposite to the left side face and a disposal receptacle formed with and fixedly adjoined to the hollow dispensing container and comprising a receptacle bottom wall connected to the back face of the dispensing container, the receptacle bottom wall formed with and fixedly adjoined to a receptacle back wall of the disposal receptacle. The disposal receptacle is in a closed position covering the top face of the tissue dispensing container and is movable to an open position exposing the top face of the tissue dispensing container. The device may be constructed of cardboard, for example.

Abstract: A disposable wipes dispenser system includes a case that houses a disposable wipes container and a cover that is mounted to a mounting hole disposed within a mounting surface. The case engages the cover from below the mounting surface, and the disposable wipes are accessible from above the mounting hole when the case is engaged with to the cover.

Abstract: The proposed vending machine is comprised of a cooling chamber with a sectional cover with flaps, a gripping device with fingers mounted in the head, an extension arm touching sensor, a “stop” sensor with an on-off switch, a shutdown switch, a guiding holder and a fixing plate. All of the elements are mounted axially on the telescopic extension arm and its housing. The sectional cover of the cooling chamber is comprised of at least two flaps that can rotate along one of the sides of the sectional cover (open and close) and that are built into the frame of the sectional cover of the cooling chamber. Each flap is precisely situated over the row of products in the cooling chamber and is equipped with an independent drive.

Abstract: An energy efficient water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler, and which may be either gravity-driven or pump-fed.

Abstract: A handheld confectionary dispenser includes a flexible hollow pouch. The pouch presents an interior chamber and is configured to contain confectionary within the chamber. The chamber has a cross-sectional transverse dimension that is larger at a reservoir end than at a dispensing end. The pouch is configured to be grasped between the ends by a hand of the user so that confectionary is forced through the dispensing end when the pouch is squeezed. The pouch is formed of a unitary pouch blank that presents integral pouch sections. The pouch blank is folded to define a fold line between the pouch sections, with the pouch sections being superimposed onto one another. The pouch sections are sealingly connected along a side margin opposite the fold line.

Abstract: A handheld confectionary dispenser includes a flexible pouch that presents an interior chamber and is configured to contain confectionary within the chamber. The pouch defines a reservoir portion, a dispensing portion, and a funnel portion located between the reservoir and dispensing portions. The funnel portion is configured to be grasped within a hand of the user to force confectionary through the dispensing portion when the funnel portion is squeezed. The pouch defines a transition along which the cross-sectional area of the chamber abruptly decreases, with the transition being defined at or adjacent the junction between the reservoir and funnel portions to facilitate bending of the pouch at the transition.

Abstract: A fitment assembly is operable to dispense confectionary from a container and to operably support a decorating nozzle through which the dispensed confectionary is discharged. The fitment assembly includes a fitment body and a coupler. The coupler includes a coupler ring presenting a ring opening, with the fitment body extending into the ring opening. The coupler further includes a coupler cap covering the fitment opening and removably attached to the coupler ring along a line of weakness. The coupler cap is separable from the coupler ring along the line of weakness to expose the fitment opening.

Abstract: A dispenser machine for storing and dispensing viscous foods and beverages and provides for the efficient and safe dispensation of a viscous food or beverage product that is contained in a flexible product container and which does not come into direct contact with the dispenser equipment. The dispenser includes an evacuation system which includes a weighted roller or slidable weight in contact with one or more sides of the product container and which operates by force of gravity to pressure and direct the food or beverage product contained in the container toward and out of the bag or container tube spout. A pump unit, which is configurable to provide for the dispensation of both food and beverage products with different viscosities by the addition or removal of one or pump pins, draws product from the container as desired and the pump unit pins operate to pinch and prevent the flow of product from the container tube spout after the pump is shut off.

Abstract: A flexible package having dispensing bag and a hose spout integrally coupled therewith. The dispensing bag is positioned within an outer vessel or urn having a valve dispensing member. The hose spout is extended through the valve dispensing member. The filled container can be emptied through the hose spout, which dispensing fluid flow can be controlled by the valve dispensing member. The hose spout comprises a molded member that includes a base flange that extends through a transition region to an elongated spout, with a dispensing opening at a distal end of the elongated spout.

Abstract: Improvements in a flavorant dispensing device for a beverage container. The device includes at least two parts that can be temporally engaged onto a beverage container. A central opening allows a user to consume the beverage and some of the flavorant as they consume the beverage. The flavorant is dispensed through a slot or opening where the lip of the drinker is engaged. The flavorant can be a variety of types including but not limited to granular items like salt or sugar, and can also be syrup or extracts. The flavorant opening is an aperture that can alter the horizontal and or vertical size of the opening. The aperture can be angled or stepped and is adjusted by rotating the second part relative to the first part. The aperture can also be completely closed to prevent accidental dispensing of the flavorant.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow may include a flow channel, a housing, a flow restrictor, and a housing adjustment member. The flow channel defines a fluid pathway for the fluid flow. The fluid pathway includes an inlet and an exit. The housing surrounds the flow channel. The housing comprises an exterior surface defining a first threaded portion. The flow restrictor is located within the housing and proximate the exit. The housing adjustment member includes a second threaded portion in contact with the first threaded portion. Embodiments may include a method for controlling a fluid flow. The method comprises: causing the fluid flow to pass through a flow channel having an inlet and an exit; restricting, via a flow restrictor, the fluid flow, the flow restrictor located proximate the exit; and adjusting a position of the flow restrictor to further restrict or unrestrict the fluid flow.

Abstract: A two part adhesive packaging system is provided. The packaging system includes two containers for holding a two-part adhesive. The packaging system further includes a connector having two ports for communicating with the containers. A mixing nozzle is attachable to the containers. The mixing nozzle includes a membrane disposed therein. The membrane is configured to break upon application of a sufficient force thereon, such as by pumping or pushing the two-part adhesive from the containers.

Abstract: A wearable dispenser is provided having an elongate body having a first end and a second end and extending from the first end to the second end in an arc forming at least a portion of an ellipse, oval or circle and extending through greater than 180 degrees so as to fit over a wrist. A product is retained interiorly of the body, and a pump assembly fluidly communicates with the product in the body. The pump assembly includes a movable dispensing tip that, upon reciprocal movement, dispenses a dose of product from the pump assembly and draws another dose of product into the pump assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container having a tapping column fixed to and extending normal to the top surface of a top plate with an opening and forming an elbow is disclosed. The column has an elongated inner channel bringing in fluid communication the support plate with a tapping pinch valve located in a tapping head at the elbow. The tapping pinch valve has jaws for receiving in pinching relationship the outlet end of the dispensing line and controlling flow of liquid by varying the distance between the jaws from a closed to an open position. A flexible dispensing line, having inlet and outlet ends, extends in the channel. The outlet end engages the pinch valve, and the inlet end connects to a keg. A device for opening the channel includes the pinch valve so a distance larger than the open position separates the jaws.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device including a base having a support plate is disclosed. The device has a peripheral wall jutting out of the bottom of the support plate and extending along the perimeter of the support plate defining with the bottom surface an inner volume of the base. A source of pressurized gas is lodged in the inner volume of the base, with a device for connecting the source of pressurized gas to the interior of a beverage container outside the inner volume of the base. An elongated tapping column extends normal to the top surface of the base, having an elongated inner channel bringing in fluid communication the inner volume with a tapping valve head located at the opposite top, outlet end of the tapping column. The height of the peripheral wall allows the beverage dispensing device to dispense beverages when standing on the top surface of a counter.

Abstract: A dropper (10) for dispensing drops of a fluid from a container includes a dropping channel (12), which has a dropping channel inlet (13) for introducing the fluid into the dropping channel (12) and a dropping channel outlet (14) for dispensing drops from the dropping channel (12). The dropping channel (12) has a conical channel area (16) and a cylindrical channel area (15). The dropping channel inlet (13) is designed as an end of the cylindrical channel area (15), facing away from the conical channel area (16). To make it possible to better meter the quantities of drops that can be dispensed and to markedly reduce the dispensed quantities, the dropping channel outlet (14) is designed as an end of the conical channel area (16), facing away from the cylindrical channel area (15).

Abstract: A drop spreader apparatus generally comprises: a hopper configured to hold a spreadable material, the container comprising an opening extending linearly across a bottom of the hopper; a wheel and axle assembly comprising two wheels connected by a wheel axle, the wheels and axle configured to support the hopper; a de-bridging and dispensing assembly positioned above the opening of the hopper, the de-bridging and dispensing assembly comprising a de-bridger mechanism configured to sift the spreadable material and a de-bridging driver mechanically coupled to the wheel and axle assembly, the driver configured to drive the de-bridger mechanism using the rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap shaping and forming insert device having a U-shaped structure that is placed in the front interior sweatband portion of a billed cap to prevent collapse and deformation thereof. The cap insert comprises a structure having at least two opposing vertically oriented arm members perpendicular to an elongated member disposed thereinbetween. The elongated member remains along the sweatband portion of the cap while the vertical arm members extend upward and into the interior crown of the cap. The cap insert is flexible and yet maintains a user-formed shape that can be used to maintain a desired shape of a billed cap once deployed therein. Moreover, a billed cap can be worn simultaneously with the cap insert therein. The cap insert can be washed and dried using standard methods while the cap insert is disposed therein in order to further preserve the structural integrity of the billed cap.

Abstract: A clothes hanger (1) having a plurality of hooks (8) located thereon for hanging tank tops or other strapped articles of clothing. The clothes hanger allows a user to hang multiple articles of clothing on the plurality of hooks, thereby conserving storage space in a closet. The positioning of the hooks allows the clothes hanger to remain level by being counterbalanced while hanging in a closet.