Abstract: A reusable food product package that is initially provided with a polymeric, gas-impermeable film overwrapping that seals the seam of engagement and sufficient portions of the top surface of the lid and the outer surface of the compartment so as to remain in place during shipping. The film may form a two-piece container around the lid and compartment. In particular, respiring foods may be packaged with an oxygen absorber and/or a CO2 absorber on the food side of the film for freshness. Polypropylene may be used to render the food visible and adapted for reuse. Packaged foods and a method of packaging using the reusable food product package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable food product package that is initially provided with a polymeric, gas-impermeable film overwrapping that seals the seam of engagement and sufficient portions of the top surface of the lid and the outer surface of the compartment so as to remain in place during shipping. In particular, respiring foods may be packaged with an oxygen absorber and/or a CO2 absorber on the food side of the film for freshness. Polypropylene may be used to render the food visible and adapted for reuse. Packaged foods and a method of packaging using the reusable food product package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape dispenser including a cutting mechanism is disclosed that allows for improved access to the mandrel during reloading. The tape dispenser comprises a base, a cover, and a mandrel disposed within the base and cover. The cover is capable of securely engaging with the base. The base, the cover, and the mandrel are connected along a pivot point. The cover actuates the mandrel to an open, loading position.

Abstract: The inventive tape dispenser includes a cover and a base. The cover includes a forward section, a saddle, a rounded back section, and first and second sidewalls extending downwardly from the forward section and saddle. The forward section of the cover includes a first end from which a means for cutting extends. The base includes a semicircular tape holding portion having a first side opposite a second side, a mounting surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the base includes a means for gripping the dispenser. The base also includes an arm, a land area extending at an angle from the arm and an edge extending an angle from the land area. The edge is disposed substantially parallel to and proximate to the second sidewall of the cover.

Abstract: A method and circuit for receiving frame messages connected to one or more nodes, each controlled by a microcontroller, along a common transmission line of a multiplex communication system. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving the type and target bytes, and responsive thereto generating a first interrupt signal to the microcontroller at the node; (b) commanding the microcontroller, responsive to receiving the first interrupt signal, for qualifying the frame message by retrieving and matching one or more of the type and target bytes with corresponding bytes stored in programmable memory within the microcontroller, and responsive thereto generating a qualified signal; and (c) receiving data bytes from the frame message only responsive to receiving the qualified signal from the microcontroller.

Abstract: A method or protocol for generating an Interrupt Signal for communication between a peripheral device and a host processor having either a level-sensitive or an edge-sensitive interrupt detector. After receiving an active interrupt request, and after confirming that the Chip Select signal is released, the interrupt signal is transitioned to an active level. After receiving an active Chip Select signal and multiple Clock pulses from the host as confirmation of receipt of the Interrupt Signal, the Interrupt Signal is transitioned to its inactive state. If the interrupt request is still pending, and when the Chip Select signal is released, then the Interrupt Signal is again made active. Maintaining the active level for the Interrupt Signal until the confirmation is returned from the host will activate level-sensitive detectors, while edge-sensitive detectors in the host will be activated by the multiple transitions ocurring if the host does not service the interrupt request in the peripheral.

Abstract: A method is provided for serial communication between a host device and a peripheral device. The method includes transmitting an interrupt command from the host to the peripheral in response to a peripheral interrupt signal and, substantially simultaneously, transmitting interrupt status data from the peripheral to the host, the interrupt status data representing a pending peripheral interrupt and indicating whether a communication error has occurred. The method also includes transmitting a continue code from the host to the peripheral based on the interrupt status data and, substantially simultaneously, transmitting information associated with the pending interrupt from the peripheral to the host in response to the interrupt command, the information having a predefined structure based on the interrupt status data for use in resolution of the pending interrupt. A system is also provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for detecting fault conditions on a multiplexed network having first and second busses. The method includes sensing a start of frame delimiter (SOF) for the first bus, and determining the state of the second bus when the SOF is sensed. If the state of the second bus has been passive over a first selected time period, the state of a differential between the first and second busses is determined. If the state of the differential between the first and second busses is not indicative of a pre-qualified start of frame delimiter, then a passive fault is indicated. Additionally, the method includes sensing an end of frame delimiter (EOF) for the first bus, and determining the state of the second bus when the EOF is sensed. If the state of the second bus has been active over a selected time period, then an active fault for the second bus is indicated. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.