Abstract: A removable container for powder or liquid includes a housing, a spilling mechanism and a bypass element. The housing hangs within a bottle and is capable of storing powder within the bottle while being sealed from a precursor liquid held within the bottle. The spilling mechanism enables the powder to spill out of the housing and into the precursor liquid and the bypass element provides the precursor liquid out of the bottle without mixing with the stored powder.

Abstract: A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for ease of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include earplug dispensers that may comprise a rotating cam assembly operable to dispense one or more earplug to a user when a knob is rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the cam assembly may comprise and upper cam layer and a lower cam layer attached via clips to the rotating knob. Upon rotation of the knob, the upper cam layer may cause the earplugs to fall through one or more cavities to the lower cam layer. The lower cam layer may comprise a pushing structure operable to move the earplugs, upon rotation of the knob, within the lower cam layer to fall down through an opening in the dispenser. In some embodiments, the earplugs may fall through an opening in the rotating knob.

Abstract: A scoop for use in scooping and dispensing a powdered item such as powdered sugar includes a first bowl or spoon connected to a second bowl or spoon by a stem. A lid is attached to the top of the scoop, and is selectively movable to cover the first or second spoon. In some versions, one of the spoons or the lid may include a section of mesh.

Abstract: A clamping device for a sprayer can is provided, including a shell body. The shell body includes a grip portion and a clamping portion for clamping one end of a sprayer can. The sprayer can is provided with a dispenser valve. The clamping portion includes a circumferential wall, and the circumferential wall defines a space for receiving the dispenser valve and a receiving opening communicating with the space. The circumferential wall is further formed with a window which communicates with the space, and the dispenser valve can spray through the window. The circumferential wall includes first flexible portions and at least one second flexible portion. At least one said second flexible portion is connected between every two adjacent first flexible portions. The second flexible portion is greater than the first flexible portion in flexibility.

Abstract: A packet having: a group of articles; a sealed package enclosing the group of articles and having a first cover flap, which is defined by a first cut through the sealed package and is movable to allow access to the group of articles; a rigid container enclosing the sealed package and having a second cover flap, which is defined by a second cut through the container, is superimposed on the first cover flap of the sealed package, and is movable to allow access to the sealed package; and a reclosable adhesive panel, which is coated on the inside with re-stick adhesive, and has a grip tab with no re-stick adhesive and located at an edge of the adhesive panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles comprises one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and a container. The one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags are configured for storing the articles therein. The container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein. The container has soft sides made of soft materials. In operation, when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a tray for transporting a plurality of horticultural containers. The tray comprises: a plurality of connected container receiving pockets each having a bottom portion and an open distal portion opposite the bottom portion and sized to receive a horticultural container; and a plurality of tabs projecting into at least one of the pockets, each of the plurality of tabs including an upper end connected to the pocket below the open distal portion and extending downward at an angle to position a free distal end into the pocket with a bias against outward radial displacement.

Abstract: A beverage preparation capsule comprising a capsule body having a beverage preparation ingredient hermetically sealed therein, wherein a beverage outlet region of said capsule comprises: front and back sheets of air-and water-impermeable flexible film material arranged in face-to-face relationship along an edge; a folded strip of flexible film material in the form of a gusset extending inwardly from said edge, wherein at least a central region of said strip is provided with a plurality of perforations or a zone of weakness.

Abstract: An installation for the in-port storage of liquid fuel, which is formed near a dock, is formed of at least an upper surface substantially parallel to the free surface of the sea; and a frontal surface adjacent to the upper surface and partially immersed. The installation includes at least one module having a floating caisson containing a fluidtight tank that may contain liquid fuel and having a closed contour formed of an upper face, a lower face, and several lateral faces. The module is fixed to the dock by anchoring means connecting one of the lateral faces of the caisson to the frontal surface of the dock, the lower face and the lateral faces of the caisson therefore being at least partially immersed.

Abstract: A system for automatically containing leakage of liquid from a reservoir includes a surrounding wall, a driving unit, a sensor and a controller unit. The driving unit is configured to drive the surrounding wall to move between containing and non-containing positions. The sensor is capable of generating a detection signal. The controller unit receives the detection signal, and determines whether leakage of liquid from the reservoir has occurred. When it is determined that the leakage of liquid from the reservoir has occurred, the driving unit is actuated by the controller unit to drive the surrounding wall to move from the non-containing position to the containing position for containing the leakage of liquid.

Abstract: The present technology provides a rubber composition for a conveyor belt. The rubber composition comprises: a rubber component containing butadiene rubber and/or styrene butadiene rubber, carbon black, sulfur, and a vulcanization accelerator; the glass transition temperature of the butadiene rubber and the styrene butadiene rubber being ?65° C. or lower; the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area of the carbon black being 90 m2/g or less; the total content of the butadiene rubber and the styrene butadiene rubber being 50% by mass or greater relative to the content of the rubber component; the content of the carbon black being from 30 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component; and the mass ratio (sulfur/vulcanization accelerator) of the content of the sulfur to the content of the vulcanization accelerator being 1.5 or less.

Abstract: This invention is a vacuum belt conveyor designed to operate inverted and move articles suspended from its lower side rather than laying on top. This is achieved by the use of a matching toothed drive roller and toothed belt having its teeth facing outward and pierced between strategic teeth with vacuum cups secured through the holes. Vacuum is applied when needed to sections of a vacuum rail spring loaded against the smooth inner surface of the belt, the rail having a machined vacuum groove in horizontal alignment with the holes in the belt to provide vacuum to the cups. The belt and suspended articles secured to it by suction are held to the main frame by two retaining rails having clearance allowing passage of the cups.

Abstract: A cantilevered screw assembly comprising an improved anchor system. In an exemplary embodiment, a support wall may be formed of a single casting with at least a portion of a bearing housing. An exemplary embodiment of a cantilevered screw assembly may also comprise at least one solid oil bearing to facilitate rotation of the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a fine bulk material including a tubular member formed of a gas permeable material, a tubular member formed of a gas impermeable material encompassing the first mentioned tubular member, having an inlet and outlet at opposite ends thereof, a helical member mounted on the first mentioned tubular member, means for rotating the first mentioned tubular member and means for injecting a fluid under pressure through the first mentioned tubular member into the annular passageway disposed between such tubular members including the helical member, precluding the settling of material being conveyed in such passageway.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to highwall mining, and more particularly to a launch vehicle adapted for use in highwall mining of downward angled seams of mineable material, such as coal. More specifically, the provided launch vehicle includes a lower deck, an upper deck disposed above the lower deck, a launch deck pivotally attached to the upper deck, a first conveyor belt carried on the lower deck and a second conveyor belt carried on the launch deck. A conveyor car is positioned on the launch deck while the launch deck is in a substantially horizontal orientation, then the launch deck is tilted in a vertical place relative to the upper deck to substantially match a dip angle of the seam to be mined. The conveyor car is attached to a conveyor train extending into the seam as the rearmost car in the train.

Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

Abstract: This invention provides a transfer apparatus for loading/unloading a work into/from a processing apparatus, comprising: a main body being able to move in a horizontal direction; an arm portion pivotally provided with respect to the main body; a hand portion pivotally provided with respect to the arm portion, and configured to grip the work; and a control unit configured to horizontally swing the arm portion and move the main body in order for the hand portion to linearly move the work, when the hand portion facing the processing apparatus loads/unloads the work into/from the processing apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station having a rotating carriage with multiple carrier ports. The multiple carrier ports allow for receiving multiple carriers and/or staging multiple carries for dispatch. In one arrangement, one or more carriers may be securely maintained within the station while permitting users to continue utilizing the station.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring feed materials between zones having substantially different pressures, where the transfer can be continuous or semi-continuous. The methods and systems include a plurality of lock hoppers to receive feed material from a low pressure zone and pressurize it with fluid to a pressure of a high pressure zone. The pressurized material can be discharged to a circulation loop, which carries the pressurized material to one or more receiving unit(s) of a pressurized system. At least some feed material remains in the receiving unit(s) and at least a portion of the fluid exits to become part of the circulation loop. After discharge, the lock hoppers can be depressurized so the next pressurization cycle can begin with additional feed material. The lock hoppers can be operated in a time-staggered manner to provide continuous or semi-continuous transfer of material.

Abstract: A material conveyance device that has an inverter converting a frequency of an alternating-current source and a suction air source having an electric motor driven by the inverter and pneumatically conveys a material by the suction air source through a pipe for conveying the material, includes: a physical quantity detector that detects a physical quantity related to an output of the inverter; and a controller that controls an air volume or an air speed by the suction air source based on the physical quantity detected by the physical quantity detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a pattern of non-rigid objects in a desired position and orientation. The first surface, second surface, and third surface are mutually orthogonal and meet at a point to form a lowest corner. The second and third surfaces are supported by, attached to and extend at least somewhat vertically from the apparatus. The first surface is oriented at an angle to a plane running through a bottom of the apparatus and thereby provides the lowest corner.

Abstract: A bin sweep system for a bin having a floor surface and a central well may comprise a center post defining a common center and a sweep assembly configured to move across the floor surface of the bin and having an inboard end and an outboard end. The sweep assembly may comprise at least two sweep segments including a first sweep segment and a second sweep segment, with the first sweep segment being located toward the inboard end and the second sweep segment being located toward the outboard end. At least one of the sweep segments may be movable about the center post substantially independently of another of the sweep segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for covering a gap that is adjacent a side of a dock plate, which apparatus includes an elongate member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pin connected to the bottom surface, a tear-resistant material in contact with the bottom surface of the elongate member; and a means for maintaining the contact between the tear-resistant material and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a driving roller, a driven roller and a pair of bearing members. The pair of bearing members is configured to rotatably support both ends of a rotating shaft of the driven roller. The bearing member has a supporting part and a pressing part. The supporting part is formed by winding an end portion on one side of a wire rod in a spiral shape. The supporting part has a shaft hole through which one end of the rotating shaft can be inserted. The pressing part is formed by winding an end portion on the other side of the wire rod in a spiral shape in an orthogonal direction to the rotating shaft. The pressing part is disposed so as to press the supporting part in a direction in which the driven roller comes into pressure contact with the outer face of the driving roller.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes a sheet transport path, a pinch and drive mechanism disposed at an entry side of the transport path for conveying the sheets in a transport direction X along the transport path, at least one liftable pinch and drive mechanism disposed at the transport path downstream of said entry side pinch and drive mechanism, a sheet alignment mechanism disposed further downstream at the transport path and arranged to impart a movement in a direction Z normal to the transport direction X to at least a part of a sheet that passes through, and a controller arranged to receive a sheet length signal and to control said at least one liftable pinch and drive mechanism in accordance with the sheet length.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a manual bypass tray, a pair of side-fences and restricting members. On the manual bypass tray, a sheet conveyed to an apparatus main body is placed. The pair of side-fences are arranged slidable in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet so as to mutually approach/separate on the manual bypass tray. The restricting members are arranged attachable to/ detachable from the pair of side-fences. Each of the restricting members includes a first engaging part and a preventive portion. The first engaging part is engaged with the manual bypass tray to restrict slide of each of the pair of side-fence in the width direction. The preventive portion is arranged so as to be separated upwardly from the manual bypass tray to prevent the sheet on the manual bypass tray from uplifting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to selectively switching binding processing according to a remaining amount of consumable materials required for the binding processing even in a case where the binding processing for binding sheets by using consumable materials is specified. To achieve this purpose, a sheet processing apparatus includes a first binding unit configured to bind sheets by using a consumable material, a second binding unit configured to bind sheets without using the consumable material, and a control unit configured to control the sheet processing apparatus to perform binding processing on sheets by using the first or the second binding unit, wherein the control unit determines whether to perform the binding processing by using the first binding unit or by using the second binding unit according at least to a remaining amount of the consumable materials.

Abstract: A method for generating a folding instruction for folding a stack of sheets into a document includes the steps of, for each sheet of the stack of sheets, receiving a folding action on the sheet defined by a fold type and an orientation relative to an observer, the fold type selected out of a mountain fold right, a mountain fold left, a mountain fold bottom, a mountain fold top, a valley fold right, a valley fold left, a valley fold bottom and a valley fold top; generating a function which has the folding action and the sheet as input and an ordered list of new sheets with an orientation relative to the observer of each new sheet of the list of new sheets as output; repeatedly applying the previous steps to each sheet of the at least one list of new sheets until the sheets in the last applied previous steps form the document; and generating a folding instruction including a concatenation of the at least one generated function on the stack of sheets, the folding instruction intended to be transmitted to a foldi

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a pressing unit and a shifting unit. The pressing unit has a protrusion and presses the protrusion against a fold section of a sheet. The fold section extends in one direction. The shifting unit moves at least one of the protrusion of the pressing unit and the sheet so as to shift a pressing position, at which the fold section is pressed by the protrusion, in the one direction or in a direction opposite to the one direction.

Abstract: A yarn recovery device includes a support structure that can be associated upstream or downstream with a yarn feed device, a yarn entry eye and exit eye rigidly connected to the support structure; a drum rotatably associated with the support structure having a seat to accommodate the yarn operationally located between the entry eye and the exit eye; the drum being switchable between a deactivated configuration, in which the seat is substantially aligned with the entry eye and the exit eye and the path of the yarn is not diverted by the drum, and an activated configuration, in which the seat is misaligned in relation to the entry eye and the exit eye and the path of the yarn is diverted by the drum that winds the yarn round itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Off-Road Rolling Film Vision System comprising a Controller Module (200), a Takeup Module (300), and a Rollout Module (400). The Controller Module (200) comprises a Command Input (205), a Controller Process Module (210), a Command Transmitter (215), and a Power Supply (220). The Controller Module (200) is configured to remotely control a Motor (325) in the Takeup Module (300). The Command Input (205) comprises at least one Button configured to accept a knuckle bump for controlling a Motor (325) in the Takeup Module (300) when the Controller Module (200) is attached to a handlebar of an off-road vehicle. The at least one Button configured to accept a knuckle bump may be configured to be adjacent to a user's metacarpophalangeal index finger joint. The at least one Button configured to accept a knuckle bump may be configured to be adjacent to a user's metacarpophalangeal thumb joint.

Abstract: A side reel adaptor for a fish tape reel allows the fish tape reel to be spun with a drill. In one embodiment, the side reel adapter includes an attachment plate and a central bit. The attachment plate includes a plurality of holes that are aligned with the screw holes of one or more fish tape reels so that the attachment plate can be attached to the side of the one or more fish tape reels using the screws of the one or more fish tape reels. The central bit is connected to the center of the attachment plate so that the central bit is perpendicular to the attachment plate. The central bit is adapted to accept a drill chuck so that a drill can spin attachment plate about the axis of the central bit and, in turn, spin the fish tape reel attached to the attachment plate.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to receiving, by a computing device comprising a processor, a handwriting input comprising a selection of a destination floor associated with an elevator system, determining, by the computing device, that the handwriting input selection is recognizable, presenting, by the computing device, a message that requests confirmation that the input selection is interpreted correctly based on determining that the handwriting input selection is recognizable, receiving, by the computing device, a response to the message that confirms the input selection, and causing, by the computing device, the elevator system to provide access to the destination floor based on the response.

Abstract: An elevator device automatically setting a current value of an interval between upper and lower cars vertically movable inside a car frame, including: a moving mechanism vertically moving the cars; a memory storing a current interval between the cars; a car interval change quantity detector detecting a change quantity of the interval between the cars; an adjustment mechanism adjusting the interval between the cars based on the stored car interval and the detected change quantity of the interval; an initial car interval detector detecting that the interval between the cars has reached an initial car interval; and a learning mechanism causing the moving mechanism to vertically move the cars until the initial car interval detector detects that the interval between the cars has reached the initial car interval to learn the car interval when the car interval is not stored in the memory, which is then stored in the memory.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing the displacement of an elevator car caused by a change in loading includes at least an elevator car configured to move up and down in an elevator hoistway and one or more counterweights, and also at least one rope element above the elevator car and at least one rope element below the elevator car and at least one pretensioner of the rope elements. The elevator car and counterweight are configured to be supported and moved via the rope elements and the pretensioner and rope pulleys, of which rope pulleys the first part are diverting pulleys, and the second part are traction sheaves. The arrangement additionally includes at least two hoisting machines. In the arrangement is a mechanism configured to lock at least two rope pulleys to be non-rotating at least during loading of the elevator car.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a motor of a winch. In one example, a system for a winch includes a controller adapted to adjust operation of a motor of the winch based on one or more of and/or each of a winch load limit, a motor temperature, a distance of a hook coupled to an end of a rope of the winch to a winch fairlead, and an amount of rope wound onto a drum of the winch.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a mount. A plurality of hooks is coupled to the mount. The plurality of hooks engages a ladder. The mount may be coupled to the ladder. A plate is provided. The plate engages the mount. The plate may be positioned above a roof access hatch. A winch is coupled to the plate. A cable is wrapped around the winch. The winch may extend or retract the cable. A hook is coupled to the cable. The hook engages an object. The assembly may lift the object upwardly through the roof access hatch.

Abstract: A stacker crane includes a first covering body covering a sliding section of a mast and an ascending and descending unit, and providing a first space extending vertically along the mast, a second covering body providing a second space extending vertically along the mast and partitioned from the first space by a first barrier, a plurality of exhaust holes that are vertically dispersed in the first barrier and cause the first space and the second space to be in communication, and an exhaust device that is attached to the mast and expels air in the second spaces at a portion in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An implement is disclosed for use in moving a fire tube in relation to a heat treater. The disclosed implement includes a frame extending along a first axis, a shaft extending from the frame along a second axis, and a stabilizer extending from the frame that is configured to inhibit rotation of the fire tube when the implement is employed to move the fire tube.

Abstract: Some illustrative embodiments of a fire tube implement for extraction and insertion of a fire tube may include an elongate shaft that is configured to extend outward and to be received within an opening in the fire tube. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft may carry at least one extender that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position normal to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. The at least one extender may be configured to engage an internal surface of the fire tube within the opening when the at least one extender is in the extended position. In some embodiments, a stabilizer may be laterally disposed from an exterior surface of the elongate shaft and securable to the fire tube. The elongate shaft may be operable by a powered machine.

Abstract: A multi-articulating enclosed lift assembly is described having an adjustable work platform, a guardrail system on the platform, and a flexible enclosure. The work platform generally includes a base, a lift, and an operator platform supporting the guardrail system. The flexible enclosure includes an extendible frame and a flexible containment material. The material may be disposed proximate to sides of the extendible frame and sealed to the base of the adjustable work platform and along a top of the extendible frame. The flexible enclosure and the base define a working space below a ceiling as the top of the extendible frame engages an opening in the ceiling. As such, the lift selectively moves the operator platform within the working space to place it in a desired vertical position within the flexible enclosure and allow a configuration of at least a portion of the guardrail system to extend through the opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing, fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispersing system having, a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage delivery system is provided. The system allows a user to easily and repeatedly retrieve a desired volume of refrigerated beverage at a desired temperature and at a desired time all by using one hand and without the need to leave their seat. A container portion houses refrigerated fluid containers and pumps that are fluidly interconnected to a cup holder and cup. The cup received in the cup holder may be moved from an inactive configuration to an active configuration, selectively delivering refrigerated fluid from the container portion's fluid containers and through the bottom plate of the cup, which is sealed in the inactive configuration.

Abstract: A pour spout, for attaching to a bottle, has a first wireless transceiver and a valve for selectively controlling flow of a beverage from the bottle. A server interface, adapted to be carried by a person who serves beverages, has a second wireless transceiver. A control unit is provided to wirelessly communicate with the second transceiver. In one mode, the pour spout transmits a spout identifier to the server interface, which responds by transmitting the spout identifier and a server identifier to the control unit. The control unit responds with a reply transmission causing the server interface to command the pour spout to open the valve. In another mode, a person selects a cocktail, that results in the control unit sending designations of a plurality of liquor ingredients to the server interface. The server interface controls dispensing each of the plurality of liquor ingredients.

Abstract: A paint can dispenser assembly includes a lid removably attachable to an open end of a paint can. A spigot extends from the lid so as to be in fluid communication with the paint within the paint can for controllably pouring the paint from the can. A filter is associated with the lid for filtering the paint before it passes through the spigot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing liquid, such as oil, gas, or fuel, from an overturned tanker truck are disclosed herein. One or more ports are provided along the side of a tanker truck compartment, which may be accessed in the event of a rollover of the tanker truck. The port is sealed during normal use of the truck but may be opened from the outside in order to remove fuel. Additionally, an opening tool is disclosed in the event the port is below the internal liquid surface level, in order to prevent spills.

Abstract: An attitude sensing arrangement for triggering a shutoff mechanism on a fuel dispensing nozzle comprising a rolling element placed inside a non-cylindrical chamber that is sealed with a plug such that the rolling element may move freely inside the chamber. A vacuum sensing path passes from a sensing port in the nozzle spout, through a vacuum sensing tube, into the non-cylindrical chamber, and into a venturi-generated vacuum chamber. The attitude sensing arrangement is configured such that the rolling element blocks a shutoff port in the non-cylindrical chamber when the nozzle is raised past a certain shutoff angle. When the vacuum sensing path is blocked by the rolling element in this manner, the shutoff mechanism closes the main fuel valve.

Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.

Abstract: A cap and substrate having an electrical connection at a wafer level includes providing a substrate and forming an electrically conductive ground structure in the substrate and electrically coupled to the substrate. An electrically conductive path to the ground structure is formed in the substrate. A top cap is then provided, wherein the top cap includes an electrically conductive surface. The top cap is bonded to the substrate so that the electrically conductive surface of the top cap is electrically coupled to the path to the ground structure.