Abstract: A merchandiser for displaying and warming previously baked dough products, such as a filled pastry shell or other baked dough product, under controlled drying conditions, including an enclosure having one or more wall members that define an interior space, with at least a portion of one of the wall members being transparent, an opening for access into the interior space, a removable support member within the enclosure that includes at least one support surface for previously baked dough products and a spacing arrangement configured and adapted to reproducibly position the support member within the interior space of the enclosure member to facilitate substantially uniform airflow around each support surface and throughout the enclosure, and a heating system for providing heated air in the enclosure, wherein the substantially uniform airflow provides controlled drying of the previously baked dough products in the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber band that can fulfill a plurality of functions in connection with the injection and/or extrusion process of an injection molding or extrusion apparatus (i.e. heat, cool, and insulate), thereby reducing overall energy costs and creating a safer working environment. The ceramic band, being an insulator and having heating and/or cooling elements with a faster response contained therein, exert the desired heating/cooling effect upon the barrel portion of the injection/extrusion machine thereby raising, lowering, or maintaining the temperature of the fluid plastic compound passing through the barrel.

Abstract: Provided is a hygienic wipes steamer for warming hygienic wipes. The hygienic wipes steamer comprises a housing assembly contains a liquid container, a roller assembly, a heater assembly and an ejector assembly. The liquid container stores a quantity of liquid. The roller assembly rotatably supports a roll of material and cuts the material into individual hygienic wipes during unwinding of the material. The heater assembly has a beating element and has steam holes formed therealong. The heater assembly is in fluid communication with the liquid container and receives hygienic wipes from the roller assembly. Upon activation of the hygienic wipes steamer, liquid flows into the heater assembly from the liquid container and is transformed into steam when heated by the heating element such that the steam passes through the steam holes and warms the hygienic wipe that is supported by the heater assembly. The ejector assembly ejects the warmed hygienic wipes from the hygienic wipes steamer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable adhesive dispensing appliance with adjustable duty cycle. Rather than applying power continuously to the heating element, the element power is intermittently switched over to a variable duty cycle. Savings are gained in three areas: extended life of the element; less heat lost to thermal radiation; and less adhesive waste due to dripping and overheating. The duty cycle may be adjusted manually or automatically based on the temperature of the adhesive in the melt chamber. Additionally, the voltage and/or current to the heating element may be adjusted, either manually or automatically, for more rapid recovery during high usage periods. Higher throughput is achieved by sensing the temperature, comparing the temperature to a desired temperature, and then increasing the duty cycle by either or both one of increasing the frequency of duty pulses and/or lengthening the duration of the duty pulses.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, at least one solenoid for controlling the valve, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf tea brewer and the solenoid is of a quiet-type to minimize noise to a level like that in a real leaf tea brewer during dispensing. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for a hot melt adhesive system has a manifold centrally located within the dispensing unit to permit commonality between heated hoses of substantially the same length used to supply adhesive guns at either side of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit also includes a manifold that is thermally isolated from the adhesive tank. The manifold has a heater that is independent of the tank heater for more precise temperature control of adhesive flowing through the manifold. A pump coupled to the manifold is located external to the tank and is heated by the manifold heater.

Abstract: Discloses a multi-flavor hot beverage dispenser apparatus adapted to dispense a selected flavor hot drink. The dispenser apparatus has hopper to hold a base powder. The hopper includes a hopper dispenser outlet including a motor driven auger to dispense the base powder from the hopper and a hot water boiler and hot water dispense valve. The hot water boiler has controlled heating means to heat the water to the desired temperature. A plurality of liquid flavor dispensers is provided with one or more dispensers selectively activatable to dispense a flavor syrup to flavor the dispensed hot drink to the desired flavor. The liquid flavouring supply is separate from the base powder allowing a compact sized dispenser which requires minimal counter space that does not increase with increasing flavor selection offerings.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a liquid crystal material container, a nozzle positioned at a lower portion of the liquid crystal container and having at least one groove formed at an exterior surface thereof, and a valve system for transmitting liquid crystal material from the liquid crystal material container to the nozzle by a gas pressure supplied to the liquid crystal material container.

Abstract: Alternating pieces of hot glue and crayon are inserted into a hot glue gun and melted together to form a multi-functional art material or medium. It can be used as a paint on canvas and other paint receptive surfaces, as a ready-made collage medium with adhesive properties as well as color, as a medium for sculpture, relief, and other three-dimensional art forms, as a clay substitute medium for pottery and other related crafts as well as an aesthetic or invisible (color-matching) repair medium.

Abstract: A beverage powder mixing drink dispenser (10, 10?) having a hopper (12) for containing a supply of powder, a source of water (14) and a controller (16), all contained within a housing (60) has a mixing assembly (52) with an electrical motor (42) with an annular stator (40) mounted to the housing (60) and an annular rotor (44) mounted to rotate around a motor axis (46) within the annular stator (40) when the stator is energized, a mixing chamber (34) with a hollow body (48) and at least one mixing member within the hollow body (48), mounting structure (49,50) for releasably mounting the hollow body (48) of the mixing chamber (34) to the rotor (44) to rotate with the rotor relative to the stator about the motor axis, the controller selectively passing powder and water into the mixing chamber to be mixed together in the mixing chamber (34) during rotation of the mixing chamber and the mixing member when the stator is energized, and means (16, 38) and controlling energizing of the stator (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator comprising a) an elongated chamber (3) having an opening for a glue stick and a nozzle (6) for distributing melted glue, b) means for gradually pushing the stick into the chamber (3) and c) two heating elements (131, 132), each of which comprises a channel (151, 152) made from an electrically resistant material and which can be connected to an electrical power source. Said channel (151, 152) is formed on an electrically insulated surface of a substrate (141, 142) which is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with a mass of glue contained in the chamber (3). The heating element (131, 132) is applied against an external conformal surface (21, 22) of a heating body (2), one surface of which defines said chamber (3). The heating body (2) is made from a heat-conducting material.

Abstract: An output supply assembly includes a horizontal base. The base receives a container of a flowable material. A platen is positionable in the container. A pump feeds the flowable material from the container. A dispensing and handling assembly is provided. The dispensing and handling assembly includes two film-forming dies of similar configuration. Flowable material may be fed through the assembly to form film. A pair of film-movers are beneath the film-forming dies. A pair of cohesion dies are provided beneath the film-movers. An injector is located above the film-movers. In this manner the periodic dispensing of particulate material is allowed. Containers are formed upon the solidification of the flowable material moving between the cohesion dies. A pair of hoses is provided between the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly. A control assembly couples the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly.

Abstract: A glue gun includes a gun body, and a heating device. The heating device includes a heating barrel mounted in the gun body and having an inner wall formed with a bore, and at least one heat conductive plate located in a middle portion of the bore of the heating barrel. Thus, the heat conductive plates are located in the middle portion of the bore of the heating barrel so as to heat and melt the glue stick from the middle portion to the periphery thereof, so that the glue stick is melted rapidly and evenly.

Abstract: A hand held hot melt glue gun has an elongate body portion that is easily held in a user's palm for accurate placement of the glue. The body forms a heat chamber that lies in the body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. A trigger mechanism operates by motion transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body and includes an arm that extends from the trigger on one side of the heat chamber to an opposite side of the heat chamber to engage a gripper for advancing the glue.

Abstract: A dispenser for heating a liquid in and dispensing a foam introduced from a canister. The dispenser has a heater for providing heat to the foam/liquid, a chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port and a base having an aperture and a first member. The chamber is in contact with the heater, and the outlet port is connected to a nozzle. The nozzle dispenses the heated foam. The dispenser also has a base adjoining. The first member is slidably retained over the aperture to adjust a size of the aperture and to receive a number of different diameter canisters.

Abstract: A method and filling station are disclosed for introducing a compressed gas stream into one or more vessels such that upper and lower temperature material limits are not exceeded and preferably such vessels are not over or under filled by controlling the filling temperature of the compressed gas stream. The compressed stream is produced by compressing a stream composed of a vapor phase located within a cryogenic liquid storage tank. The density of the vapor phase is held constant by adding heat to a liquid phase, preferably by addition of a subsidiary stream composed of the compressed gas stream. The filling temperature of the compressed gas stream is controlled by adding heat to the compressed gas stream by a trim heater or to the vapor stream to be compressed by recirculating part of the compressed gas stream to an inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a system which dispenses, for example, adhesive capable of flowing, that melts with increasing temperature. The apparatus includes a container (10) to receive adhesive and a melting device (19, 25) to induce the rise in temperature, so that part of the adhesive is changed into a fluid state. An outlet zone (19) is provided, having at least one passageway (20) for the adhesive capable of flowing.

Abstract: A modeling device intended for applying wax to the crown region of a tooth which is to be modeled is designed for the purpose of improving its characteristics in use such as its handling during modeling work, when inserting new wax cartridges etc. as an elongated, writing device-like base body, which includes at one end a modeling tip and inside accommodates a forward feed drive for a wax cartridge and a heating device which is used to render the wax to be processed into a liquid state at the end facing the modeling tip, so that as the forward feed drive is actuated liquid wax can be discharged from the outlet. For the purpose of supplying electric energy a cable is attached to the front side end and in fact to the concave side of the curved modeling tip.

Abstract: A system for pressure molding plastic material includes a source of hot flowable plastic material and a manifold for receiving hot flowable plastic material from the source and for transporting the hot flowable plastic material to a nozzle that is disposed within a nozzle cavity. A heater is provided to heat the nozzle and is positioned outside of, but close to, the nozzle cavity and includes at least one electrical supply wire. A shut-off seal is positioned within the nozzle cavity to seal the nozzle with respect to the wall defining the shut-off cavity. In addition, a secondary seal is most advantageously positioned between the shut-off seal and the heater for ensuring that any hot flowable plastic material that might leak through the shut-off seal does not come into contact with the electrical supply wire. This has been found to increase the reliability and operating life of conventional pressure molding systems.

Abstract: A hot water tank monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the hot water tank and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the hot water tank in response to sensing of malfunction of one or more of a number of different sensed parameters. These parameters include a water leak detector located beneath the water tank, a water level float sensor, a temperature sensor to sense excess temperature, and a pressure sensor located in the line between the pressure relief valve and the blow-out outlet of the water tank. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to a LED status indicator, and also operates to provide alarm signals through a modem over telephone lines to remote locations and to operate an alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a beverage dispenser for filtering and dispensing liquid beverages. The device includes an upper reservoir for receiving a liquid therein and is adapted to releasably secure a filter. The filter is arranged for communication with a lower reservoir for receiving the liquid beverage therein. The lower reservoir includes means for dispensing the filtered liquid and the filtered liquid therein may be heated or cooled by means of heating or cooling devices. The beverage dispenser is compact, portable and housed in an aesthetically appealing canister. Removal of the filter allows other beverages, such as lemonade, or tea, to be stored and dispensed on demand.

Abstract: Alternating pieces of hot glue and crayon are inserted into a hot glue gun and melted together to form a multi-functional art material or medium. It can be used as a paint on canvas and other paint receptive surfaces, as a ready-made collage medium with adhesive properties as well as color, as a medium for sculpture, relief, and other three-dimensional art forms, as a clay substitute medium for pottery and other related crafts as well as an aesthetic or invisible (color-matching) repair medium.

Abstract: A heating system for a hand-held glue gun has a low-mass melting chamber, high-power resistance heating element, and thermostat (24). The heating element is arranged between the chamber and thermostat (24), so that the thermostat's (24) response to the heating element mirrors that of the load in the chamber.

Abstract: A portable, handheld seam welding gun for filling in seams between sheets of linoleum flooring is provided with a unique heat nozzle. The heat nozzle of the invention couples the heating barrel of a conventional floor seam welding gun to a conventional hollow welding tip by receiving the heating air inlet tube of the tip within the confines of a downstream socket formed in the body of the heat nozzle. A larger, upstream socket formed in the body of the heat nozzle fits onto the heating barrel of the handheld, portable welding gun. A plurality of preheating jets are formed on the underside of the body of the heat nozzle to preheat the region of the channel immediately to the rear of the welding tip just before molten sealant flows into that portion of the channel.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a viscous comestible product. The system receives a bag containing the viscous comestible product. The bag has a bag body and a bag nozzle. The system includes a dispenser having a dispenser body defining a chamber for receiving the bag. The chamber has a surface with an opening defined therein adapted to receive the bag nozzle. A first protrusion is disposed proximate to a perimeter of the opening. The first protrusion extends from the surface generally inwardly into the chamber and is adapted to abut and flex the bag body into a configuration facilitating a flow of the viscous comestible product therefrom.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided that heats and dispenses a gel or lotion prior to the gel turning into lather. The dispenser can be selectively engaged with different sized and/or shaped cans.

Abstract: Baby formula preparation and multiple dispensing apparatus includes a base housing having side and bottom walls, and also having an open top, and further having container assembly support members disposed therein; and also includes a container assembly including a container, and also including a hood being securely and conventionally attached about the container, and further including a bottle support member being securely and conventionally attached to the container, and also including bottle retaining members being securely and conventionally attached to the bottle support member; and further includes a cover being removably disposed over the open top of the container; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being securely fastened attached to the container assembly; and further includes a baby formula preparation and dispensing assembly for preparing baby formula and for dispensing the baby formula to bottles.

Abstract: A portable endothermic caulk warmer for warming at least one tube of endothermic caulk. This caulk warmer having an insulated housing, at least one AC heating pad, a AC/DC power inverter and a DC rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf brewer. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom. The diluent can be hot water and the apparatus further includes an air ejector device for eliminating air bubbles from the hot water prior to mixing. In addition, an improved sensor can accurately determine when the supply of concentrate is depleted.

Abstract: An ergonomic wax pen has an ergonomic case (1) with optionally finger-squeeze control of pressure to force out molten wax (7) from a wax chamber (6) through an extrusion nozzle at an extrusion end (3) to which predetermined application tips (21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) can be attached for predetermined wax applications. The ergonomic case includes a contoured taper from a major periphery (2) proximate the extrusion end to an oppositely disposed minor periphery (4) that is proximate a base end (5). A wax heater (10, 18, 19) is positioned externally from the wax chamber which is pressurized selectively with a pressurizer. The base end can include an orthogonal base plate (11) on which the ergonomic case can be positioned uprightly when not in use and with which the ergonomic case can be prevented from rolling when laid down.

Abstract: A merchandiser and method for displaying and warming previously baked dough products, such as cookies, under controlled drying conditions, including an enclosure having one or more wall members that define an interior space, with at least a portion of one of the wall members being transparent, an aperture for access into the interior space, at least one support surface for supporting one or more previously baked dough products that contain a predetermined average moisture level therein, and at least one mounting structure associated with the enclosure for mounting and positioning each support surface at a user accessible location in the interior space of the enclosure, and a heat source for providing heated air in the enclosure wherein the support surface contacts at least a portion of the previously baked products so that those portions are shielded from direct contact with the heated air such that the drying of moisture in the baked products is controlled to maintain the organoleptic and/or texture properti

Abstract: A cover-connector for covering and connecting a fluid supply container to a conduit is provided, wherein one of the container and the conduit has a male frustoconical connecting surface and the other one of said container and said conduit has a threaded connecting surface. The novel cover-connector comprises a conduit side with a conduit connecting region, a container side with a container connecting region, and a passageway between the connecting regions, wherein one of the connecting regions has a female frustoconical surface having an acute frustoconical angle complementary to the male frustoconical connecting surface for frictional connection therebetween, and wherein the other one of the connecting regions has a threaded portion complementary to the threaded connecting surface for threaded connecting therebetween.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water chamber, a brewed beverage tank, and an actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator means is connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a so-called heating washer (heating cushion) (10) with heat energy to be liberated at a chosen point of time through activating the heating washer (10) when the same e.g. has been placed on stiff/tender musculature. According to the invention, the heating washer is steamed, either one or more at a time, in a steam chamber positioned above a water chamber in a steam cooking apparatus (30), wherein the water chamber is separated from the overlying steam chamber by means of a horizontally directed partition plate (34), fluid communication being maintained between the chambers. The charging of the heating washer (10) by means of steam prevents that the heating washers are damaged in the way that may happen when boiled in water.

Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer for warming baby wipes while maintaining moisture and coloration thereof. Such warmer comprises a base member for supporting the warmer on a surface. A body member is engaged onto the base member and has an interior-side housing wall and an upper housing wall which collectively form an inside compartment. The warmer further includes a sponge layer which is disposed within the inside compartment and retains liquid therein. A heating element is disposed about the inside compartment for providing heat thereto. The liquid retained within the sponge layer transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element for maintaining the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported upon the sponge layer.

Abstract: An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of liquid from the metering chamber. The controller then commands the pump off several seconds after detecting a drop in air pressure within the chamber. A baffle is affixed to the distal end of a shaft, which is moved between a first and second position.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing module and methods for dispensing a heated liquid onto a substrate. The dispensing module includes a dispenser body receiving liquid from a heated liquid distribution manifold and an actuator having a housing with an air piston movable in an air cavity and a solenoid valve for pressurizing the air cavity. Movement of the air piston controls a flow-regulating mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid from the dispenser body. A thermally insulating shield may be provided for reducing heat transfer from the manifold and/or dispenser body to the actuator so that the solenoid valve can be mounted directly to the housing and the effective volume of the air cavity can be reduced. The cycle time of the liquid dispensing module may be specified by selecting an initial volume of the air cavity and an effective valve flow coefficient for the actuator that characterizes the air flow to the air cavity.

Abstract: A beverage brewer comprises a storage tank adapted to contain a supply of liquid, and a metering chamber structured and arranged to be filled with a metered amount of liquid received from the storage tank via an inlet in communication therewith. A brewing chamber is structured and arranged to receive a beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium. A baffle in the storage tank is shiftable from an open position accommodating liquid flow between the storage tank and the metering chamber via its inlet to a closed position preventing such flow and isolating the metering chamber from the storage tank. During a brewing cycle, liquid is delivered from the thus isolated metering chamber to the brewing chamber for combination with the beverage medium contained in the filter cartridge. At the conclusion of the brewing cycle, the baffle is returned to its open position, thereby allowing the metering chamber to be refilled with liquid received from the storage tank via its inlet.

Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.

Abstract: A device for dispensing hydrogen, in particular for supplying gaseous hydrogen for a fuel cell, has a reservoir, a gas connection for removing hydrogen from the reservoir and at least one heating device with which the reservoir is heatable for dispensing hydrogen. In addition, the reservoir is subdivided into at least two modules which are heatable independently of one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for warming infant feedings includes a housing having a lower chamber, a middle chamber, and an upper chamber, a plurality of apertures associated with a first partition separating the lower chamber from the middle chamber, and a plurality of portals associated with a second partition separating the upper chamber from the middle chamber. Each portal is positioned above a respective aperture and adapted to position an infant feeding over the respective aperture. A false feeding is coupled to an underside of the second partition and disposed above a respective aperture and a surface heat sensor probe is coupled to the false feeding. The surface heat sensor probe is operable to detect a temperature of the false feeding, and a heating unit is coupled to the heat sensor probe. The heating unit includes a fan operable to continuously circulate air through the lower chamber and into the middle chamber.

Abstract: Liquid is supplied from a bottle B to a discharge outlet 8 via a molded plastics reservoir 15 by pressurizing the bottle using an air pump 22. A pressure sensor responds to a rise in air pressure supplied to the bottle by shutting off the pump. Liquid is removed from the reservoir through a dip tube 17 having a main outlet 18 adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir and a smaller auxiliary outlet 21 adjacent to the top of the reservoir. The upper region of the reservoir is received in a finned heat-conducting holder 16 provided with a thermoelectric cooling element. For hygienic purposes the bottle has a connector 12 which can be replaced together with the reservoir 15 and associated supply tubes 24, 13, 14, 17 and 19. A temperature-control mixer 51 may be to mix liquid from the reservoir with liquid from the bottle.

Abstract: A system for pressure molding plastic material includes a source of hot flowable plastic material and a manifold for receiving hot flowable plastic material from the source and for transporting the hot flowable plastic material to a nozzle that is disposed within a nozzle cavity. A heater is provided to heat the nozzle and is positioned outside of, but close to, the nozzle cavity and includes at least one electrical supply wire. A shut-off seal is positioned within the nozzle cavity to seal the nozzle with respect to the wall defining the shut-off cavity. In addition, a secondary seal is most advantageously positioned between the shut-off seal and the heater for ensuring that any hot flowable plastic material that might leak through the shut-off seal does not come into contact with the electrical supply wire. This has been found to increase the reliability and operating life of conventional pressure molding systems.

Abstract: A holder for a dispenser package having a resealable cap assembly with an outer perimeter includes a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall interconnecting lower ends of the front and rear walls, the front, rear and bottom walls defining a receiving area for the dispenser package, the front wall including an aperture defined by inner peripheral edges of the front wall. The holder also includes a heating element in thermal communication with at least one of the front, rear and bottom walls, a power source connected with the heating element, and at least one actuator provided at the inner peripheral edges of the front wall aperture, the at least one actuator being in communication with the heating element. The at least one actuator is movable between a first position for activating the heating element and a second position for deactivating the heating element.

Abstract: A hand held hot melt glue gun has an elongate body portion that is easily held in a user's palm for accurate placement of the glue. The body forms a heat chamber that lies in the body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. A trigger mechanism operates by motion transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body and includes an arm that extends from the trigger on one side of the heat chamber to an opposite side of the heat chamber to engage a gripper for advancing the glue.

Abstract: The multimedia and scent storage medium described herein comprises a multimedia storage region for storing multimedia information; a scent storage region for storing multiple scents; scent identification information for identifying which scents are stored in the scent storage region; and scent recovery information stored in the multimedia storage region for sequencing recovery of scents stored in the scent storage region to coincide with audio and/or video information stored in the multimedia region. Variants of the multimedia and scent-bearing medium described herein can have electrostatic scent release systems and/or capillary tube scent release systems. The integrated system described herein comprises a multimedia and scent storage medium and a multimedia player and scent recovery system for use in conjunction with the multimedia and scent-bearing medium.

Abstract: A merchandiser system and method for thawing, displaying, and warming previously baked dough products, such as cookies, under controlled drying conditions, including a warming compartment and a merchandiser. The merchandiser controls the drying of moisture in the thawed, baked products to maintain the organoleptic and/or texture properties of the products at essentially the same level as those of freshly baked products for a period of at least about 2 hours.