Abstract:
Provided herein are new devices for indicating the status of events, such as the number of relevant events that are remaining and/or that have already occurred up to the present moment and to related devices, systems, and methods. In some aspects, the event-related indicator devices of the invention are used within larger dispensing devices or systems, e.g., to provide the status of administration of a substance contained therein (e.g., a drug). In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator devices find particular utility within medicament dispensers, such as metered dose inhalers, to provide a visual indication of the status of doses having been or remaining to be administered.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for classifying a supply of objects having a common characteristic, such as size or weight, which is randomly distributed throughout the individual objects into groups in which the total value of all of the objects in each group will be the same, in which the random supply is divided into types having narrow ranges of said values, and the final groups are selected from the subdivided groups according to prearranged programs which are designed to utilize more of the objects which predominate in the random supply at the time the groups are selected.
Abstract:
Apparatus for counting fish eggs including a container for holding eggs to be counted, and extending into the container a revolvable disc, including multiple apertures for collecting eggs with the disc revolving. A counter is provided for counting the number of revolutions of the disc. Eggs carried away in the apertures are discharged therefrom through an opening positioned and sized to communicate, at a given time, with a multiplicity of apertures. A water sprayer outside the container and opposite the opening sprays water onto the disc''s surface. Such facilitates egg removal and by producing a film of lubricant on the surface of the disc reduces friction between such surface and eggs engaged thereby.