Abstract: A retainer for holding and protecting an optical disk is molded from plastic, to form a thin, flat, rectangular base member having a shallow rectangular cavity in the front surface thereof. A shallow circular cavity is centrally located within the rectangular cavity. The disk is resiliently held within the circular cavity, and can be removed by finger lifting. The retainer's top edge includes a hook recessed into its flat top edge. This hook allows the retainer to be vertically hung from, and perpendicular to, a horizontal storage rod. The retainer includes short, spaced posts located within the top portion of the rectangular cavity. A flat storage envelope mounts on these posts, to overlay the disk's exposed surface. The two external, vertically extending side walls of the base each include a flat, protruding, label surface located at the center of the side wall. Two flat box shaped containers are provided. One container holds a single retainer.

Abstract: A wrapped roll of coins in which the wrapper comprises a flexible substrate. The wrapper has pressure sensitive adhesive on its inner surface which can be selectively cleanly released from the coins. And a process for applying and removing the wrapper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guard and carrying system for compact discs. The system includes a collapsible enclosure having a mouth portion, extensible side portions, a V-shaped vertex portion, and a secureable fold-over cover. Also included is an accordion-like integral series of V-shaped storage elements. These elements include an elongated, substantially rigid, yet foldable substrate. They further include an integral sleeve having a longitudinal axis and enveloping the substrate, trapping air in a planar geometry, and several outer sleeve segments disc-proportioned and disposed about the integral sleeve holding air between these segments and the integral sleeve. A plurality of linear heat seals are disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the integral sleeve. The heat seals bond the outer segments to the integral sleeve to define a pattern of pockets adapted for the holding of discs and disc-related documentation.

Abstract: A hinged coin holder having two semi-circular parts hinged together at one curvilinear extremity and releasably joined at the other is improved by the provision of a plurality of internal pockets or compartments which are dimensioned to receive no greater than a predetermined number of coins of a specific denomination, irrespective of the thickness of the coins, so that the maximum desired number of coins may be unerringly packaged in the holder.

Abstract: A protective covering for annular objects, such as caster wheels, which covering consists of a continuous band of heat-shrinkable plastic material defining spaced marginal edges thereabout, which band is proportioned thereabout to be closely received over and about the tread of the caster wheel in overlapping relation to the wheel along both side edges of the wheel tread, for heat shrinking thereagainst, whereby the band is tensioned against the wheel tread, and the wheel tread side edges, in protective relation to the tread, which band is formed to provide what becomes a tear or release strip that functions to sever the band, when removal of the covering is desired, from one side edge of the band to the other.

Abstract: A stop member for a device such as a syringe is inaccessibly disposed in a sleeve member. The ring member is also disposed about a portion of the stop member and in the sleeve member. The ring member is connected to the inside of the sleeve member by means of a frangible connection. When the sleeve member is twisted. the sleeve member and its connected ring member freely rotate about a portion of the stop member at the end of the syringe. When the sleeve member is axially pulled off the end of the syringe, the frangible connection breaks, and the sleeve member is removed, leaving the ring member and stop member disposed on the end of the syringe thereby indicating that the prefilled syringe has been tampered with.

Abstract: A storage device for storing a plurality of disc-shaped articles, or discs includes a support having a support surface for supporting the discs. The support includes bias means to bias the discs towards rolling along the support. The device further includes releasable restraining means to restrain the discs against rolling under the effect of the bias means. In one embodiment of the invention, the support surface of the support includes a sloping portion which provides the bias means in the form of a gravity bias. In another embodiment of the invention, the support includes a hinged portion pivotally mounted on a floor of the device, and the bias means is a spring bias acting between the floor and the hinged portion.

Abstract: A digital audio disk enclosure is disclosed, having a semi-rigid generally rectangular top and bottom portions, with sided disposed about the periphery of the top and bottom portions to form an enclosed space therebetween. An elongated aperature is disposed through one side, of a size sufficient to pass a digital audio disk therethrough. Guide means are disposed within the enclosed space in aligned spaced relation substantially along the aperature side and one adjoining side. A flexible closure strip is disposed within the guide means, with a tab disposed near one end of the closure strip, suitable to be manually biased between open and closed positions. Ribs, inclined ramps, or guide means extending above top portion and below bottom portion are disclosed for ease of removing the digital audio disk from the enclosure. The digital audio disk enclosure is preferably sized to receive a pamphlet and a digital audio disk within the enclosed space.

Abstract: A recording disc enclosure is disclosed, having semi-rigid top and bottom portions, with adjoining sides forming an enclosed space therebetween. An aperature sized to pass a recording disc therethrough is disposed through one side of the enclosure. A closure strip is disposed to cover the aperature in the closed position, and to be manually biased along a top and bottom guide path to extend substantially beyond the profile of the enclosure in the open position. The closure strip, when in the open position may be biased to rotate approximately 90 degrees to an open position in alignment with one of the sides adjoining the aperture side. Top or bottom portions of the enclosure may be transparent to provide a visual indication of the contents of the enclosure. Alternately visual symbols may be disposed upon the top or bottom portion of the enclosure, and preferably upon at least one side, to provide identification of the contents of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for in-process storage of a stack of molded discs which is comprised of a rigid base member and inflatable tubular member attached to the base member which can be inflated so as to hold the stack of discs placed on the base member securely in position and protected from physical damage during storage.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical wall member (14) of resilient material has an opening (22) extending axially of the container (10) for inserting beads (12) into individual compartments (54) in the container (10). Axially extending sides (30) of the wall member (14) are resiliently movable radially outwardly to grip and hold the beads (12) during transporting. The curvature of the sides (30) is such that a range of different diameter beads (12) can be accommodated. The wall member sides (30) are also resiliently yieldable radially outwardly to permit removal of the beads (12) during movement of the container (10) in a radial direction away from the beads (12) after they are placed around a bead support of a bead storing and feeding apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a one-piece coin holder having a main cylindrical wall, an end wall and an opposite open end portion. The latter permits insertion or egress of a predetermined number of coins into or from the holder. The open end portion defines an inner cylindrical bulge with bevelled outer and inner edge faces, the latter merging with the inside surface of the main wall of the coin holder. The latter is made of slightly extensible material. The inner diameter of the main wall is greater than the diameter of the coins, but the inner diameter of the bulge is smaller than that of the coins, so that the latter are resiliently retained within the coin holder. The latter can advantageously account for coins of varying thickness, according to their wear condition, while maintaining exactly the same predetermined number of coins.

Abstract: A wrapper or sleeve-type package is disclosed for packaging, shipping and dispensing flat stacked articles in bulk such as envelopes. The package comprises an elongated construction having the same shape in cross section as the packaged articles, with foldably connected top, bottom and end panels and open side walls. The articles are retained in the package by short flap extensions which are foldably connected to the sides of the top, bottom and end panels. The end of these short flap extensions are adhered together to complete the package. Meanwhile, the package further includes a novel opening means incorporated into the top panel for dispensing the articles into an automatic inserting machine or the like.

Abstract: The refillable case comprises the bottom shell portion (1) and the cover shell portion (2) which are joined together by a hinge means (3). The shell portions (1, 2) enclose a circular chamber (4) in which are disposed two stacks of freshen-up cloths (6), of substantially square configuration, which are folded into a semicircular form. A retaining member (5) in the form of a plate is disposed centrally in the chamber, approximately at the level of the plane of the chamber opening. Each cloth (6) is so folded and fitted into the chamber (4) that a triangular portion (6g) thereof is on the top. By pulling thereon, the part of the cloth over which the plate (5) extends is rolled out of its cover means, without the secure position of the cloth therebelow being affected.

Abstract: A container for a layered chemical analysis system includes a first, rigid, member and a second, flexible, member. The flexible member is moveable with respect to the rigid member from a first, unstressed, position to a second, stressed, position in which the flexible member is flexed to generate a reaction force acting in a direction substantially normal to stacked layers to thereby urge the same into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A coin wrapper having a paper substrate and a clean releasing pressure-sensitive adhesive is disclosed.

Abstract: A hinged coin holder having two semi-circular parts hinged together at one curvilinear extremity and releasably joined at the other is improved by the provision of a plurality of internal pockets or compartments which are dimensioned to receive no greater than a predetermined number of coins of a specific denomination, irrespective of the thickness of the coins, so that the maximum desired number of coins may be unerringly packaged in the holder.

Abstract: A coffee filter package which can be commercially distributed on top of a coffee can and retains a supply of nested coffee filters therein. The coffee filters are subsequently utilized by the consumer for filter dispensing. The package includes a cylindrical upper receptacle portion for receiving the supply of filters and retaining them in a compacted, pleated form. A peripheral skirt portion depends from the lower end of the receptacle for snapping onto the lid of the coffee can.

Abstract: A holder for removably receiving a plurality of magnetic memory disks and for holding the disks in a vertical stack. The holder includes a base having a center post secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. The post is adapted to receive the magnetic disks thereon with the disks being arranged on the posts in generally parallel, horizontal planes and separated from each other by ring-like spacers. A nut is removably mounted on the post for locking the disks in place. The nut has a number of spaced projections on its inner periphery for engagement with spaced, circumferentially extending screw thread segments on the outer surface of the post. The segments are spaced from each other to present recesses for receiving the projections on the nut when the nut is first placed on and moved axially along the post until the nut rests on the uppermost spacer. By rotating the nut through a finite angle, such as 30.degree. to 95.degree.

Abstract: A carrier for supplying to an automatic assembling machine at least one chassis and several parts to be assembled on each chassis includes a first portion for receiving each chassis and a second portion associated with the first portion for storing the parts to be assembled on the chassis. According to the method, the chassis are loaded on the first portions of the carrier and sets of corresponding parts are loaded on the second portions in a predetermined relationship, whereupon, corresponding parts of the sets are simultaneously transferred to the respective chassis.

Abstract: A cantilever diffusion tube apparatus includes a quartz cantilever tube having a support end clamped to a laterally movable carriage mechanism and an outer end portion containing a plurality of spaced semiconductor wafers. The cantilever tube is coaxially aligned with a diffusion tube of a diffusion furnace. The support end of the cantilever tube is sealed by a door plate through which a gas tube extends. The wafers are loaded into the cantilever tube through a window opening. The carriage then moves the cantilever tube and wafers therein into the diffusion tube. Reactant gases are caused to flow into the cantilever tube, between the heated wafers therein, and out of the cantilever tube. Then purging gas is caused to flow through the cantilever tube and wafers therein.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of stacked rolls or reels of recording media in tape form is provided with central holding means for the rolls or reels, and consists of a bottom member and a cover member which together have the shape of a cylindrical cheesebox, the cover member having a handle for carrying the closed container, and the bottom member having a handle for carrying it with or without tape rolls or reels. The cover member and bottom member may be provided externally with matching projections and depressions to enable a plurality of packages to be stacked in a virtually gap-free and interlocking manner.

Abstract: A display package for face masks is provided. The package presents the mask in a realistic, three-dimensional form. The package is nestable with other packages. In addition, the package preserves the relative hygienity of the face mask, until purchase, and yet, allows potential purchasers to try-on the mask by placing the package and mask over the potential purchaser's face prior to purchase. The transparent package basically comprises a front and rear section, each having forwardly projecting, mask shaped areas. The face mask is held between the mask shaped areas.

Abstract: A package containing a stack of rectangular, plate-shaped parts such as electronic components to be subsequently utilized comprises an elongate tube having a rectangular internal cross section corresponding to that of the parts. A stop member abuts against each end of the stack adjacent the corresponding extremity of the tube. At least one stop member is frictionally slidable in the tube with a clamp fit and has a portion projecting beyond the corresponding extremity of the tube. The arrangement of the two stop members with respect to the stack and the tube is such that, regardless of which extremity of the tube happens to come into contact with an object during transport of the tube, the position of the stack within the tube remains substantially unchanged. The projecting portion of the frictionally slidable stop member enables such stop member to be removed from the tube when it is desired to utilize the stacked parts.

Abstract: A mirror package for the display, handling and transporting of mirrors or like flat, rigid, yet relatively fragile, articles, being formed from a single blank of sheet material to which the mirror is rigidly and permanently affixed. The sheet material includes a central panel, larger in all directions than the mirror which is affixed thereto in spaced relation from all edges of the central panel, and forwardly folded flanges held rigidly in the forwardly folded relationship. The central panel is adapted to be severed by a consumer leaving the portion behind the mirror to function as a permanent backing for the mirror.

Abstract: A multiplicity of caps are aseptically stored in a rigid blister package, with each cap being releasably mounted on a retainer. A plurality of retainers are stored in the package. Each cap includes a clamping fin coupled to the cap skirt by a hinge which is releasably connected to that cap skirt by a pair of tear away joints and which is securely connected to the cap top wall by a living hinge which remains intact after the tear away joints are broken to release a cap from a bottle.

Abstract: The invention provides a container having a roll of abrasive adhesive discs releasably connected to a backing paper inside the container. The container is designed such that the discs and backing paper may be pulled from the upper front of the container and when the backing paper is pulled downward or outward over the front edge the abrasive discs release from the backing paper and are popped free and released from the backing paper while being presented for easy removal by the user without contamination of the adhesive surface. Alternatively, by pulling the backing generally upward from the device, the abrasive discs remain adhered to the backing paper and the backing paper can be cut or manually torn such that one or several of the discs may be pulled free from the device while remaining on the backing and removed to another work place for later use without risk of contamination of the adhesive backing.

Abstract: A storage container and dispenser for cup-shaped filters for coffeemakers and the like utilizing a container with a pivotally attached cover and a basket within the container mounted on resilient blocks on the bottom of the container and having compression bars operable on opposite sides of the stack of filters to distort the shape of the stack of filters and facilitate removal of the innermost filter, the basket having posts which engage the cover as the cover is closed to depress the basket in the container against the resilient blocks.

Abstract: A container for disc storage and transportation includes nestable spacers with disc supporting and locating rims. Vertical posts with a plurality of vertically spaced slots rise through the central opening of the spacers and are engageable by the cross bar of the spacer when the spacer is roatably twisted. Each slot has a downwardly facing inclined surface for urging the engaged spacers downward.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rectangular plastic sheet which may be folded about living hinges to provide a container for holding coins and the like. The sheet is made of polypropylene or other suitable plastic material which has good living hinge qualities in thin sections. The preferred embodiment consists of three V-shaped units separated by two living hinges, which units when folded form a regular hexagonally cross-sectioned cylinder. Ledging may be provided on the end of the sheet so that when folded the ledging at least partially closes the otherwise open ends of the cylinder. A locking mechanism comprising an upwardly extending lip on a side edge of the sheet which engages a hollow behind and beneath a downwardly extending lip on the other side edge is provided. By forcing contact by the coins against the container walls when the container is closed the material is tightened against the coins and the locking mechanism becomes more tightly engaged, securing against accidental opening.

Abstract: A sanding disc container is disclosed to include a generally cylindrical member substantially closed at one end and having a longitudinally extending opening through a portion of the length of one wall of the cylinder. Sanding discs are disposed within the cylindrical member having their abrasive sides facing the closed end of the cylinder to provide access to the wheel of a sanding machine through the open end of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative to the brown bag lunch in the form of an insulated carrying plate having bottom and top members sealed together by releasible fasteners and defining sealed, separated compartments inside, there being a carrying handle incorporating a hinged lid which opens to expose a cavity occupying substantially the entire interior of said handle and useful as a storage compartment for utensils and condiments.

Abstract: A wafer packaging system for clean packaging and damage-free transporting of semiconductor wafers. The system includes tubular outer and inner containers, the inner container adapted to be contained by the outer container with the longitudinal axes of both containers extending in the same axial direction. The inner container includes provision for holding a plurality of the semiconductor wafers in spaced face-to-face relationship. The system provides a sealed container arrangement preventing contaminants outside the outer container from contaminating wafers within the inner container. Shock-absorbing features associated with the containers prevent shocks applied to the outer container from damaging the wafers.

Abstract: A convenient shipper and display tray for a plurality of tissue culture dishes comprising a principal body having a plurality of spaced side-by-side vertical voids adapted to receive said dishes in vertical stacked array and finger slots communicating from the exterior of said body to the vertical stacked array, accommodating finger movement and removal of dishes stacked therein and desirably inclusive of spill containment means and sterile covering means for each of said stacks as well as provisions for removability thereof.

Abstract: A holder for coins or other disc-like objects is constructed of polymeric material and consists of an elongate hollow cylindrical body of inside diameter substantially that of the coins to be packaged therein and having end openings which are of smaller diameter. The elongate body is formed of two semi-circularly cross-sectioned portions which are integrally hingedly joined together at one common edge and releasably joined together at the other common edge. Release of the snap join enables the body to be opened and the hinging of the two portions relative to each other enables access to the interior of the body to be gained.

Abstract: A flexible multi-compartment container is provided for the storage, handling and shipping of fragile disks such as silicon wafers used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The container comprises a generally tubular hollow bellows section formed of identical longitudinal halves from thin sheets of pliant self-supportable plastic sheet material. Each fold of the bellows section defines an interior annular groove forming a compartment for a disk of corresponding pre-selected or standardized size. Integral with the bellows section are longitudinally flexible end spacers of a diameter greater than the diameter of the bellows section. Each end spacer includes ridges adapted to confront the interior of a rigid outer box for suppotring the bellows section therein. In particular embodiments, the end spacers include an exterior annular ridge and adjacent trough for receiving a rubber band which is used to hold the mating halves together.

Abstract: A wafer packaging system for clean packaging and damage-free transporting of semiconductor wafers. The system includes tubular outer and inner containers, the inner container adapted to be contained by the outer container with the longitudinal axes of both containers extending in the same axial direction. The inner container includes provision for holding a plurality of the semiconductor wafers in spaced face-to-face relationship. The system provides a sealed container arrangement preventing contaminants outside the outer container from contaminating wafers within the inner container. Shock-absorbing features associated with the containers prevent shocks applied to the outer container from damaging the wafers.

Abstract: A barrier device, advantageously utilized to separate blood serum from other components by centrifuging, and preferably in the form of a truncated cone having stabilizer posts extending from the conical base in the direction of truncation and an axial post extending from the opposite, concave side is disclosed. A strip of pliable material having complementary depressions therein serves as a package and dispenser for the barrier device. Insertion into a test tube is preferably accomplished by placing the test tube in the opening of the depression and ejecting the barrier device by pressure against the post through the pliable packaging material.

Abstract: A solar panel for use in hostile environments. The panel includes top and bottom molded glass plates, each having a downwardly directed sidewall extending around their outer peripheries. The bottom plate is positioned beneath and within the sidewalls of the top plate thereby downwardly directing the opening to the compartment formed between the top and bottom plates. Recesses are molded in either the bottom of the top plate or in the top of the bottom plate for receiving solar cells whereby the thickness of the compartment is minimized. The recesses are sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the solar cells. A passageway is provided from each recess to an adjacent recess for electrical connections between adjacent solar cells which are positioned in each of the recesses. Potting compound having an index of refraction similar to the index of refraction of glass fills the compartment. The thickness of the compartment is sufficient to allow the compound to withstand thermal cycling.

Abstract: A wafer packaging system for clean packaging and damage-free transporting of semiconductor wafers. The system includes tubular outer and inner containers, the inner container adapted to be contained by the outer container with the longitudinal axes of both containers extending in the same axial direction. The inner container includes provision for holding a plurality of the semiconductor wafers in spaced face-to-face relationship. The system provides a sealed container arrangement preventing contaminants outside the outer container from contaminating wafers within the inner container. Shock-absorbing features associated with the containers prevent shocks applied to the outer container from damaging the wafers.

Abstract: A tray type storage system for photographic slides is disclosed. The system includes an elongated tray having a bottom and low side walls, and a series of U-shaped storage units, each for holding a stack of slides oriented vertically. Each storage unit consists of a bottom and front and back walls, and the height and spacing of the walls is such that a single slide in the storage unit cannot fall flat to the bottom of the unit, but will lie diagonally between the bottom of one wall and the top of the other wall, avoiding difficulty in retrieving the slide from the unit. The series of storage units are retained in longitudinal succession in the tray member by small front and back flanges extending up from the bottom of the tray member. A rectangular cardboard sleeve may be provided for any or all of the individual storage units to act as a dust cover for the bundle of slides, and the enclosed unit will be accommodated by the tray member. An elongated box may be provided for the tray member and its contents.

Abstract: A square, flat display device is formed with recesses on its edge for receiving interlock elements having portions which are captured by adjacent devices. Thus, a group of display devices may be connected to form a sheet of devices. Mounting members are similarly attached to the devices so that a sheet of devices may be mounted in a ring binder.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel electrode assembly or package for two or more electrode devices, and also a novel method of fabricating not only the overall assembly, but also the devices in conjunction therewith. The electrode assembly as contemplated by the disclosure includes a carrier member in generally strip form having one or more openings therein, the number of said openings depending upon and being equal to one-half of the number of electrode devices to be employed in said assembly. A medical electrode device is secured in overlying relation to each opening, on opposite sides of the carrier member, with the gel pads of each said electrode device being disposed within the periphery of the opening and in face-to-face contact with the pad of the opposed electrode device. The electrode devices may be pre-gelled, if desired. It is contemplated that the assembly may then be packaged in a suitable container, such as a plastic or foil envelope.

Abstract: A container for coins and similar objects has two spaced apart circular end members joined by a cylindrical wall, the wall connected with the end members for only part of the circumference and forming at least one flap for closing the container, the cooperating edges of the flap and wall having interengaging formations for retaining the flap in a closed position. The container is conveniently molded in plastic material and several containers can be molded as one unit, with each container holding the same size objects, or different containers for different size objects.

Abstract: A wrapper assembly for packaging articles includes a carrier element supporting the articles and a sleeve surrounding the carrier element and the articles. The carrier element comprises two compartments, each formed of a separate bottom wall, a separate lateral wall and at least one separate end wall. The two lateral walls are in a face-to-face contacting relationship.

Abstract: For the capping of champagne bottles long skirt caps of frustoconical shape are used. These caps of thin metal foils are very fragile and bulky. Generally they are stacked one in another for shipping. To avoid any risk of the stacked caps being wedged into each other, their bottom is filled with a foamed thermoplastic washer. It is either detachable or injected cold.

Abstract: The specification discloses a package for a plurality of semiconductor chips which enables both visual and physical inspection and testing of the chips prior to the opening of the package. The package includes first and second transparent plastic sheets each having an array of depressions formed therein. The sheets are adjacently disposed and the depressions are mated and nested with one another in order to form a plurality of discrete compartments for containing the semiconductor chips. The sheets are attached about the peripheries to form a package for transmitting the chips. Apertures are formed through each of the plastic sheets in the region of each of the compartments, the apertures being smaller than the chips to constrain the chips within the compartments while allowing access to the chips through the apertures to enable physical testing of electrical characteristics of the chips.