Abstract: Three versions of paint can strainers share common features, including an annular adaptor fitted to the top of a paint can and a cup-shaped filter carried by the adaptor so as to be pushed down into a partially full paint can to a position where it is supported by the adaptor from the paint can lid. Paint previous screening allows the paint, but not particles of hardened paint, or other impurities, to pass into the cupshaped filter. A wipe edge may be provided on the inside edge of the adaptor. A pour spout might also be molded into the adaptor.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for brewing coffee, tea or the like therein and allowing a user to directly drink the brewed liquid from the same filtration apparatus. The apparatus comprises a vessel, such as a container or cup, and a double filter assembly installed within the vessel. The double filter assembly comprises a lower filter, an upper filter, and an alignment rod connecting the lower and upper filters together for facilitating the installation of the double filter assembly into the container. The lower and upper filters engage the interior periphery surface of the container for preventing the contents, such as ground coffee beans or tea leaves, in the container from being consumed by the user but allowing the brewed liquid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A drinking container includes a flexible, hollow body having a neck. There is closure member removably connected to the neck. There is a spout on the closure member. A filter device is operatively connected to the spout within the body. The filter device includes a filter, a passageway bypassing the filter and a movable valve member in the passageway which opens the passageway when the container is in upright position when the spout is on top. The valve member blocks the passageway when the container is inverted from the upright position or pressurized.

Abstract: Device for the isolation of nucleic acids from a liquid sample by introducing the liquid into the device through an inlet opening and passage of the sample through a nucleic acid binding material and discharging of the resulting liquid through an outlet opening, wherein the nucleic acid binding material is inserted through the outlet opening during the manufacture of the device and the outlet opening is narrowed in order to hold the material. The device is particularly simple and reliable to manufacture but yet ensures that nucleic acids can be isolated without contamination.

Abstract: A vessel for filtering liquids includes a container and a receptacle for the liquid to be filtered, with a filtering device between the receptacle and the container. A lid is removably fitted to the container for the purpose of easy access to the container. A counting device is associated with the lid and is automatically activated by the removal of the lid for detecting and counting the occasions on which access is gained to the container by removing the lid.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for purifying fluids such as water and chemicals is provided with sealing rings integrally formed with and extending circumferentially from a tube connected to the housing of the filter cartridge and intended to be inserted into a receptacle for providing or receiving fluids. The rings are elastic and compress when the filter cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, thereby providing a seal between the filter cartridge and the receptacle.

Abstract: Adsorptive sample preparation device and method effective for concentrating, desalting and/or purifying biomolecules. An adsorptive membrane is used to bind biomolecules, which biomolecules can then be eluted with a suitable desorption agent. In a preferred form, the adsorptive filter means is a particle-laden semipermeable membrane having at least one of its major surfaces, preferably both of its major surfaces, covered with a thin fabric. In the method of the invention for concentrating biomolecules or desalting or purify from a solution, the sample reservoir of the above-described adsorptive sample preparation device is filled with an analyte solution, placed in a fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuge rotor, the solution is driven through the membrane, and analyte obtained as a result of adsorption on the membrane is recovered by washing and then eluting with a suitable desorption agent. A method of sealing the membrane in the device is also set forth.

Abstract: A gravity fed, pour-through water filtration device includes a chamber housing a spiral filter including a biocidal material and an annular holding chamber. Several porous separator disks, a volume of filtration media, and a cyst membrane are positioned beneath the spiral filter and holding chamber. The device is effective in significantly reducing the number of bacteria, viruses and cysts present in the filtrated water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to carry out the extraction and purification of DNA in a short period of time. This object is accomplished by DNA extraction and purification apparatus illustrated in the drawing. This apparatus includes a pipetting unit which can be horizontally moved along a rail by means of a transfer device. This apparatus also includes tube racks which can be moved horizontally and vertically. In these tube racks are disposed filter tubes (not shown) for the extraction and purification of DNA. Moreover, a waste liquid vat and a recovery vat are disposed below these tube racks. The waste liquid vat and the recovery vat are each provided with a suction port (not shown) to be connected to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A reservoir of a water filtration system carries a projection such as a fin on its outer surface. The reservoir is removably received in a housing, such as a pitcher, such that the projection engages a shelf in the housing. A passage in the reservoir can have a nonuniform taper that corresponds to the outer surface of a water filtration cartridge. A grippable member such as an indicator dial can be movably attached to the outer surface of the housing. For each orientation, use indicia on the grippable member align with use indicia on the outer surface of the housing in a unique visual configuration. A water filter cartridge for the filtration system can have an inner surface that extends between a water inlet and a water outlet. One portion of the inner surface starts at the water inlet and joins at its other end to a second portion of the inner surface. The second portion of the inner surface is about as long as the first portion, and is tapered.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water filter designed to be inserted into a drinking water circuit. The water filter has a support designed to house removably one or more different filters each having a different filtering property and adapted to be mounted either independently of each other or associated in a particular combination so as to effect a filtration of the drinking water according to its composition.

Abstract: A funnel for filtering particulate from a liquid with improved filtration flow rate using flow paths through a filtering interface defined by a filter element and orifices predominantly on the wall of a conical inner funnel member. Particulate accumulates at the vertex of the inner funnel member. Filtered liquid passes through a collecting chamber between the inner funnel member and an outer funnel member and discharges through a spout. Filtration through the funnel may be assisted by application of a vacuum suction on the filtered liquid side of the filter element or application of a positive pressure on the unfiltered liquid side of the filter element. The inner and outer funnel members can be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-layer filter for separating solid and liquid wastes. In a preferred embodiment, the filter includes first, second, third, and fourth layers, interconnected by appropriately spaced connectors. The first layer comprises sub-layers of parallel strands, wherein the strands in one sub-layer cross and overlap the strands in the other sub-layer to form a netting. The second layer comprises a fibrous mat, and the third layer comprises a netting like that of the first layer. The fourth layer includes a porous filter cloth. The third layer may be cut to form end and side tabs for retaining the filter inside a conventional waste container. After a semi-solid mixture of waste is poured, dumped, or otherwise placed into the waste container, liquid waste passes through the filter layers under the force of gravity. The liquid waste is channelled through the first layer along the bottom of the waste container.

Abstract: A filter adaptor assembly for a water cooler of the type having a support housing provided with a water bottle support at a top end to support an inverted water bottle over a water reservoir of the housing. The filter adaptor assembly comprises a support platform having a support base and it is connected in support engagement above the water reservoir. Supports are connected to the support base for securing one or more filter cartridges thereto. A dispensing valve is secured under the base and has a conduit for receiving treated water from the filter assembly. The valve has a water level sensing float mechanism which is adapted to detect the water level in the reservoir to dispense or cut-off the supply of treated water to the reservoir. The filter assembly is also connected to a pressurized water supply.

Abstract: A concentrator for concentrating a sample solution including molecules in solution which are larger than their molecular weight cutoff of a membrane in the concentrator. The concentrator has a sample reservoir which includes a bottom floor having an annular central wall surrounding a central opening. A membrane is held on a membrane support member positioned below the sample reservoir and a filtrate vial is held below the membrane to collect liquid which is passed through the membrane. A retentate vial is held over the top of the reservoir and after the sample has been concentrated the filtrate vial is removed and the remaining part of the assembly inverted. The assembly is then replaced in the centrifuge and spun to transfer the concentrated sample into the retentate vial. The membrane support member is made from spokes with open spaces between the spokes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to carry out the extraction and purification of DNA in a short period of time. This object is accomplished by DNA extraction and purification apparatus illustrated in the drawing. This apparatus includes a pipetting unit which can be horizontally moved along a rail by means of a transfer device. This apparatus also includes tube racks which can be moved horizontally and vertically. In these tube racks are disposed filter tubes (not shown) for the extraction and purification of DNA. Moreover, a waste liquid vat and a recovery vat are disposed below these tube racks. The waste liquid vat and the recovery vat are each provided with a suction port (not shown) to be connected to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A water pacifier that includes a hollow and rectangular parallelpipedly-shaped collection chamber, a hollow, vertically oriented and cylindrically-shaped purifying chamber, a circular-shaped filter, an electric heater coil, and a bimetallic strip. The collection chamber collects purified water. The purifying chamber purifies water to be collected in the collection chamber. The filter filters the water being purified in the purifying chamber. The electric heater coil boils the water filtered by the filter. Also, the bimetallic strip selectively opens and closes a centrally-disposed throughbore in a fiat and horizontally-oriented bottom of the purifying chamber in response to the temperature of the purified water it is in contact with, so that when the water boiled by the heater coil reaches 210 degrees F.

Abstract: The support plate accommodating and being integrally connected with a plurality of adjacent sample containers is disclosed. Each sample container is suitable to accommodate a liquid sample to be separated into components and has an inlet opening and an outlet opening between which a separation layer is arranged. The sample container has a bottom wall in which the outlet opening is located and the outlet opening encloses an outlet spout having an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 to 1 mm and a length in the range of 5 to 20 mm. The ratio between the inner diameter of the outlet spout and its length is in the range of 0.005 to 0.2.

Abstract: A filter basket and filtration media for an inverted bottle type water dispenser which is disposed below the inverted bottle, depending from the collar of the water reservoir into the water reservoir and receiving the neck of the bottle, so that all the water discharged from the bottle passes through the filter basket in a downward direction. The filter basket has an inverted conical upper section which funnels all the water which is drained from the bottle to a filtration compartment at its lower section. The filtration compartment remains submerged in water. The filtration compartment contains the filtration media and discharges the filtered water therefrom directly into the water reservoir. Air released in the spigot when it is opened rises upwardly through the filtration media to be received in the bottle. The filtration media comprises an aluminosilicate gel with pore sizes in the range of sixty to two hundred and fifty Angstroms which provides for rapid flow of water and air therethrough.

Abstract: Disposable paper filters suitable for removal of contaminants from fluids such as water or air are disclosed. Specific embodiments include single-ply and multi-ply filters in which metal removal additives and/or halogen and organic contaminant removal additives have been distributed during the manufacturing process. Special manufacturing methods for producing such composite filters are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to simplify and accelerate the transfer of tissue biopsy samples from fixative to automatic tissue processing cassettes comprises a strainer device and a preformed filter. The strainer device is constructed from a perforated material such as stainless steel screen and is substantially conical in shape. The device is provided with a support ring attached to an upper edge of the cone; the ring is designed for positioning the device on a fixative collection container and for attaching a convenient handle. The tip of the cone is truncated, providing a planar collection surface. A preformed filter, also of conical shape with a flattened tip matching the collection surface, is inserted into the strainer device. Fixative, containing tissue biopsy samples, is poured into the device, and the samples rest on the flat bottom and sides near the bottom while the fixative flows through into the fixative collection container.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for recycling oil that has been removed from a vehicle of some type such as an automobile or tractor. The invention has a container with an access lid for inserting the oil to be processed. A heater is provided to insure that the oil will be of a temperature that it will be properly processed. A filter system is included which is mounted on top of the container. A pump moves the oil from the bottom of the container to the bottom of the filter system. Pressure then forces the oil through the filter system to a pipe which moves the oil back to the container for another cycle. Oil is continuously recycled from the container, through the filter and back to the container for several hours until the oil is clear. It is then ready for removal and reuse.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: A device (10) for separating liquid samples has a sample container (12), bottom wall (20) of which has an outlet opening (22) provided therein. The outlet opening (22) is joined by an outlet spout (24) extending in the axial direction of the sample container (12). On bottom wall (20) there is a separation layer (28). Below sample container (12), a collecting container (32) is arranged abutting sample container (12) such that an exchange of air between the interior of the collecting chamber (32) and the environment is possible, yet an escape of liquid is largely inhibited. The contact surface between collecting chamber (32) and sample container (12) and end (26) of the outlet spout (24) through which the liquid is discharged, are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A filter holder assembly for use with an oil filtering pan in a food fryer filtration system to filter a contaminated cooking oil is provided with an adjustable sealing ring so as to accommodate filters of different thicknesses such as filter pads and filter paper. In one self-adjusting embodiment, the sealing ring is configured for vertical movement by way of a pair of pins operatively connected to the sealing ring and that are movable vertically within a corresponding pair of slotted hinge members. When a filter pad is used with this embodiment, the pins are urged against the hinge members such that pressure is applied to the sealing ring to form a positive seal. Alternative embodiments create a positive seal when either a filter pad or filter paper is used.

Abstract: A filter insert for containers, such as tea pots, where a specific dwelling time is required for the filter pulp in the liquid held in the container, the insert consisting of a circular cylindrical filter unit, extending downwards from the top of the container at to least below the surface of the liquid in the container when being filled, and where at least one plunger shaft with a plunger sliding in a plunger guide extends axially through the upper part of the insert.

Abstract: An improved washing machine lint strainer of the type to receive discharge from a hose is characterized by retractable strainer elements that are wiped clean of lint as they retract leaving the lint in one mass for easy removal without the necessity of manually picking out lint from small strainer holes. This strainer does not need to be discarded when it is totally full of lint and is thus reusable. Preferred embodiments consist of a set of two strainer components with parallel fingers forming spaces between each finger element. The 2 similar strainer components are placed on top of each other and touching with the spaces between the finger oriented to form a matrix of holes through both strainers that pass liquid and strain lint. The strainers are wiped free of lint as they are retracted to open the strainer box and the lint then falls off the strainer fingers and is thus left behind for easy disposal.

Abstract: An additional trough for an aquarium filter container comprising a rectangular body having an open top and consisting of a bottom panel, two long-side panels and two short-side panels, said bottom panel being formed with a plurality of equidistant longitudinal and transverse grooves making a plurality of intersecting points, a perforation being formed on alternate one of said intersecting points and equally distant from each other, said bottom panel further having at the outer side a protruded portion which is smaller than the open top of said rectangular body in area and extends outwardly to a flange and downwardly to form four elongated projections, said bottom panel having an outer side formed with a plurality of annular portions concentric with corresponding perforations.

Abstract: A trough type strainer apparatus comprising a housing with bottom and side walls defining an interior chamber, an inlet trough assembly and an outlet conduit connected to said side walls and communicating with said chamber. A support structure is mounted inside the housing secured to at least one wall and a perforated strainer basket provided with a mounting flange on its upper edge allows the strainer basket to be seated on the support structure within the housing. The perforated strainer basket has an angled perforated baffle panel which extends upward past the outlet conduit when the basket is seated within the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring used fuel and other fluids into a large container comprising a funnel fabricated of a rigid material and having a lower extent of a cylindrical configuration with a small diameter and a limited height with external threads thereon, an upper extent of a cylindrical configuration with a large diameter and a limited height, and an intermediate extent of a frustroconical configuration extending between the upper extent and the lower extent, the upper and intermediate and lower extents having a common axis with the surface of the intermediate extent forming an angle of between about 20 and 40 degrees with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A filter assembly or bottle filter for use in bottles or reservoirs of varying shapes and sizes is provided. The assembly has a cap or closure member sealingly connected to a filter body or support having a pair of fluid passageways. A pair of fluid passageways in the cap or closure member are in fluid communication with the pair of passageways in the filter body. A filter of a size to pass through the opening of a reservoir is connected to the opposite end of one of the axially extending passageways in the filter body or support. One of the fluid passageways is used to draw the fluid being filtered through the filter, through one of the passageways in the filter support or filter body and out one of the passageways in the cap or closure member. A pressure monitoring device is connected to the other fluid passageway to monitor the level of the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus is provided including a multiwell plate, a separations membrane and a template having holes which mate with the wells. The membrane is sealed to one end of the wells by positioning the template about the outer peripheral surfaces of the wells with the membrane being frictionally held therebetween.

Abstract: A device for securing a coffee filter paper in a grounds container comprising a single thin sheet of thermo-plastic, heat resistant, resilient material having a plurality of fingers spaced symmetrically around the periphery, for placing adjacent a paper filter with its open central core at the center of the filter and in combination therewith wedged into a coffee grounds container with the instant invention exposed.

Abstract: A device (10) for separating liquid samples has a sample container (12), bottom wall (20) of which has an outlet opening (22) provided therein. The outlet opening (22) is joined by an outlet spout (24) extending in the axial direction of the sample container (12). On bottom wall (20) there is a separation layer (28). Below sample container (12), a collecting container (32) is arranged abutting sample container (12) such that an exchange of air between the interior of the collecting chamber (32) and the environment is possible, yet an escape of liquid is largely inhibited. The contact surface between collecting chamber (32) and sample container (12) and end (26) of the outlet spout (24) through which the liquid is discharged, are axially spaced apart.

Abstract: A water cleaning device (1) is provided which has a housing (10) arranged to be supported by a surface, for example stood upon a work surface (50). The housing (10) defines a receptacle (2) for water (100) to be cleaned. A water filtration unit (20) is mounted to the housing (10) and has an outlet (21) for filtered water (101). An electrically operated pump (30) and control means (16,17,25,26,27,28,40) for controlling the pump (30) are provided within the housing (1) for pumping water through the filtration unit (20) to provide cleaned filtered water (101) at the outlet (21). The filtration unit (20) carries a collar (29) which, when the filtration unit (20) is removed from its mounting support (12), is fixed in position relative to the filtration unit (20) so that the filtration unit (20) cannot be mounted to the mounting support (12) again after the filtration unit (20) has once been removed from the housing.

Abstract: A tap water filter apparatus (30) and a method of use thereof are provided. The apparatus is placed between a beverage container (20) filled with tap water and an empty beverage container (40). The combination is then inverted and water is filtered through filter media (52) in the apparatus into the previously empty container. The apparatus defines spouts (32, 44) that retain the containers in place. The apparatus also defines a skirt (60) that automatically controls water flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable water treatment device of the type including a vessel with an opened upper end and a replaceable filter cartridge adapted to be contained therein. A lid assembly is adapted to be attached to the opened upper end of the vessel above the replaceable filter cartridge and operable to monitor the number of times the water treatment device is used. The lid assembly includes a housing having a central aperture therethrough communicating with the filter cartridge. A gate member is reciprocally movable between a position closing the aperture in the housing and a position opening the aperture in the housing. In the opened position, water to be treated may be poured into the filter cartridge through the aperture. Indicator means are provided and are movable incrementally in response to movement of the gate member. The indicator means move one increment during a cyclic movement of the gate member from the closed position to the opened position and back to the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing floating debris from the surface of a pool of liquid disposed in a container comprising a bracket adapted to be fastened adjacent a wall of the container and having an arm extending interiorly over the pool of liquid, the arm being adjustable horizontally and further comprising a vertically extending member directed perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the pool of liquid for receiving a strainer member, the strainer member comprising a net through which the liquid flows during circulation of the liquid. Preferably, the strainer member has a shaft receivable in the vertically extending member and the vertically extending member comprises a hollow cylinder having an interior diameter and at least two circumferentially disposed holes therein spaced apart, the shaft of the strainer member being receivable within the interior diameter of the hollow cylinder and having two spring loaded projections receivable in the holes in the cylinder for securing the strainer member thereto.

Abstract: A tap water filter (130), filter apparatus (150) and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The filter may be disposed between a one liter plastic beverage container (120) filled with tap water and an empty beverage container (122) to filter the tap water through filter media (164) into the previously empty container. The apparatus defines spouts (132, 134) that retain the containers in place. The filter also defines a buffer (140) that automatically prevents water overflow. The filter apparatus includes the filter and a storage container (152) which receives the filter and is supported, in turn, on a stand (154). Tap water may be filtered into the storage container and dispensed therefrom via a faucet (157) mounted in the container wall (158).

Abstract: A container assembly for holding a supply of drinking liquid includes a watertight container. A removable filter device extends into the container through an opening at the top. The filter device comprises an elongated cylindrical member having an inner wall divides the area inside of an upper chamber and a lower chamber and forms a sipping tube for accessing the lower chamber through the upper chamber water filter is disposed in the lower chamber. In using the container, air is drawn in through the upper chamber and drinking liquid is drawn out through the sipping straw by suction.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device having a collapsible funnel, a multi-turn spiral filter path, and a cup for storing the liquid and for storing the funnel and filter when not in use so that a compact storable transportable unit with a long filtration path is achieved.

Abstract: A micro-titre test plate includes a thermoplastic incubation tray having an array of a plurality of wells extending therethrough, a filter, and a thermoplastic harvester tray for supporting the filter sheet. The harvester tray has a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged to be registerable with the bottoms of the wells in the incubation tray. To prevent cross-talk between the wells along the filter, the facing surfaces of the harvester tray and incubation tray are provided with mating ridges and grooves circumscribing the juncture of each well and aperture. In one embodiment, the ridges and grooves are thermally bonded to one another to provide a fluid-impervious barrier trapping respective filter disks in the juncture of each well and aperture. In another embodiment, the harvester tray is formed of a pair of apertured, thermoplastic sheets nested with respective thermally bonded grooves and ridges to trap the filter, the harvester tray being not necessarily bonded to the incubation tray.

Abstract: A portable liquid-solid separator for handling sludge in bulk with an upright vessel having a bed with a drain and surrounding sides. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed and sides. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and overlapping the side grate. The separator is filled with a sludge which is then separated by gravity filtration and the wicking action of the filter. Liquid is drained out the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a bath tub style trailer with dumping capabilities.

Abstract: Spaced elongated ribs each having a tapered end and a concave end are assembled together by means of elongated, spaced members inserted through respective spaced openings in each rib. The tapered ends of the ribs are attached to a common sheet of material which may be inserted underneath roofing shingles to position the entire assembly over a gutter to provide assistance to propel leaves, pine straw and other debris to the edge of the gutter but at the same time preventing the debris from entering the gutter while allowing the water to drain into the gutter. A continuous front member may be provided with clips for attachment to the edge of the gutter or may be omitted.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing particles formed in the deep fat frying of foodstuffs in liquefied grease which pumps the mixture of liquefied grease and the particles suspended therein from a deep fat fryer and delivers the mixture to a filter and provides for the return of the liquefied grease filtrate to the deep fat fryer or for its transfer to a storage container.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in expediting the performance of immunochemical determinations which require the complete separation of a solid phase or precipitate from a liquid phase is disclosed. In particular, this apparatus features a test tube rack and cooperating retaining means for spanning said rack and tubes whereby inversion results in a rapid and uniform removal of the liquid contents of each tube while retaining the precipitate or solid phase.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purifying device is provided with a flush water restrictor which serves to provide a suitable back pressure on the reverse osmosis membrane in order to affect the purification process. The device is designed for attachment to any source of pressurized water. The restrictor device consists of a capillary tube sized to provide a suitable ratio of flush water to purified water. A ball-type check valve surrounds the capillary tube at its point of exit and the ball valve may be dislodged in order to flush the membrane. The core of the membrane assembly is filled with activated charcoal in order to provide for a more efficient and complete purification.

Abstract: A chemical recovery filter including a new and improved structure which allows rapid and efficient replacement of filter canisters. The structure incorporates snap-connector fittings and a by-pass safety feature in the event of plugging within the system.

Abstract: For dispensing segmental food pieces such as french fries, a bin has a perforated wall which extends from the front horizontally toward the rear. That wall then curves upward and reentrantly so as to be capable of captivating food segments urged toward the rear. Upright side walls extend along each side margin and have a height sufficient to form a closure of the reentrant portion of the bottom wall. A cutout, in one of those side walls, facilitates handling of the foodstuff and loading of the bin.