Abstract: A portable container base for use with a powered lifting device is provided. The portable container base includes a main body to secure a bottom surface of a container such as a trash can, a plurality of wheels on a lower surface of the main body, each providing independent rotation for moving the main body and container across a surface, and a loading tube on a lower surface of the main body to slidably receive a loading spike of a lifting device, transfer a lifting force from the loading spike to the main body for lifting the container, and restrict movement of the main body around the loading spike during lifting by an interference fit between a circumferential shape of the loading tube and the loading spike, such that a drive mechanism can lift and tilt the container to easily transfer contents from the lifted container to a receiving container.

Abstract: A receptacle is disclosed for containing waste. The waste receptacle may have a container with at least one opening, and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rubbish being deposited through the at least one opening. The waste receptacle may also have a public-use device operatively connected to the container, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the public-use device. The controller may be configured to selectively provide access to the public-use device based on the signal.

Abstract: A vertical axis washing machine appliance includes a door pivotably mounted to a cabinet. The door includes a frame, an axle and a lever arm. The axle is fixed to the frame, and the lever arm is fixed to the axle. A door lock assembly is operable to lock the door in a closed position. The door lock assembly includes a latch and an actuator that is operable to move the latch between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch is engaged with the lever arm of the door when the latch is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A multifunctional business machine includes a foldable-cover machine, a sheet-fed scanner and two fasteners. The foldable-cover machine has a cover and a platform covered by the cover. The sheet-fed scanner is disposed on the platform. One end of each fastener is fixed in one side of the cover, and another end of each fastener is configured with a shaft applied for pivoting the cover to the sheet-fed scanner. The cover rotates relative to the platform to be lifted with an angle and enable to lean against the sheet-fed scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a cabinet, a door for allowing access to a washing volume inside of the cabinet, and a water tank to be filled with water for washing. According to the invention, the water tank may be positioned within the washing volume inside the cabinet.

Abstract: A method for making a snack product includes the step of mixing ingredients for the dough with water in a low shear environment using a low shear mixing apparatus to form a dough agglomerate. The ingredients can include a major ingredient, such as potato flakes, corn or grain, and minor ingredients including emulsifier, sugar, salt, leavening and a modified starch having a high affinity for water. During the mixing step the dough agglomerate forms with wetted areas of the major ingredient which are surrounded by wetted high water affinity starch and minor ingredients. The method also includes the step of chopping the dough agglomerate into clumps of a desired size, sheeting the dough agglomerate into a dough sheet, forming the dough sheet into snack pieces, and then cooking the snack pieces.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that allows substantially the entire surface of a product (such as fresh red meat) to be in contact with a desired internal gas concentration. In addition, the disclosed package ensures that large amounts of the product surface are not in contact with the packaging materials to prevent discolored product areas. Particularly, the disclosed package comprises a support member, a thermoformed lidding film, and an oxygen-sensitive product. The lidding film includes one or more ridges that prevent direct contact with the product. As a result, uniform product color is maintained and the product appearance is preserved.

Abstract: A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closed position and moves radially along the tracks to a sealed position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A flexible plastic packaging box includes a lid and a box body having an opening at one end. The lid includes a lid body and an annular ring surrounding a periphery of the lid body. The box body is provided with an outer flange at a rim thereof adjacent to the opening surrounding an outer wall of the box body. The annular ring may be engaged with the outer flange such that the lid is detachably attached to the box body and seals the opening of the box body. The annular ring surrounding the periphery of the lid body forms a latching groove surrounding the lid body, the annular ring is capable of engaging the outer flange, and because of the elasticity of the flexible plastic, the lid is more reliably fixed on the box body and seals the opening of the box body.

Abstract: A waste container (10) comprising a receptacle (11) and a closure (13) connectable to the receptacle (11). The closure (13) comprises a base (14) and a support (15) extending upwardly from the base (14). The support (15) defines a front opening (16) and having a rear wall (17). A tray (18) comprising a shelf (19) and an inferiorly depending guard (21) is also provided in the support (15), with the tray (18) being at least partially rotatable relative to the support (15). The closure (13) further comprises a shield (23) comprising a main body (24) extending from one edge (25) to a free edge (26) and having an upper surface (27) and a lower surface (28). The shield (23) is hingedly connected to the support (15) at or adjacent to the one edge (25) and is moveable between an open position in which it overlies the rear wall (17) of the closure (13) and a closed position in which it is secured to the closure (13) to at least substantially cover the front opening (16).

Abstract: A closure assembly for a container includes a closure cap having an open ended body with a peripheral wall and a top wall provided with a dispensing passage which is defined by a collar arranged to the top wall. A self closing valve is arranged in the closure cap. The valve includes a slit central portion and a skirt extending downwardly from the central portion, which has an outwardly extending flange. The skirt is arranged in the collar and the flange is located below the collar and extends radially outwardly beyond it. On a lower surface of the top wall, a plurality of lips is formed outward from the collar. The lips are folded over the flange such that the latter is partly enveloped between the lips and the top wall so as to secure the valve in the closure cap.

Abstract: The cocktail glass cover is a cover for beverage glasses. The cover is designed with raised ridges on its underside that permit the cover to rest securely on glasses of various sizes. An opening is formed in the cover to receive a straw therethrough. The opening can be optionally closed with a removable knob. The knob is color-coded to allow a drinker to distinguish one beverage from another.

Abstract: A cover display for a container in some implementations having a dome shaped cover base with a flat bottom and a top with a radius of curvature with one or more frame catches positioned near the periphery of the cover base. An adorned Tiara shaped cover with an annular wall supporting frame latches positioned to correspond to said frame catches is affixed over said dome shaped cover base.

Abstract: A protector for protecting a pipe thread having a thread pitch P1 has a central axis, a first end, second end opposite the first end, and comprises a base at the first end. In addition, the protector comprises an annular connecting member extending axially from the base to the second end. The connecting member has a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. The connecting member also includes a helical thread extending radially outward from the radially inner surface or radially inward from the radially outer surface. The helical thread has a thread pitch P2 that is greater than the thread pitch P1 of the pipe thread.

Abstract: A pit cover open/close device including a closing limiting stopper for a pit cover which is disposed in a position corresponding to a top of a roller of a chassis dynamometer, guides disposed on a stationary side of the pit in an opposed relation to both side faces of the roller of the chassis dynamometer and extending along a circumferential direction of the roller of the chassis dynamometer, a two-part split pit cover supported by the guides and including two pit cover parts into which the pit cover is split from a portion thereof corresponding to the position of the stopper, the two pit cover parts being movable in an opening direction and a closing direction, respectively, and a cylinder including a movable rod that is connected to one of the two pit cover parts and a body that is connected to the other of the two pit cover parts, the cylinder being driven to allow the two pit cover parts to move along the guides in the opening direction and the closing direction.

Abstract: A light weight hinged top (top) is described to be used as a container top. This particular model provides ease of use and requires significantly less material for manufacturing. A novel way of connecting the top and the container is using a fork spring which has three fingers like structures. The two outer structures are smaller than the middle one. The fork spring due to its resiliency brings the container top back to closing position thus providing self closing and self reseal ability for the top. A guide member also helps to position the top when it opens and closes. The top can be made using metal, biodegradable materials or any flexible material. The top can be used for cans or bottles.

Abstract: A closure (100) having a hub (102) and pivotally connected head (104). The head is locked in a closed position within the hub by a locking ring (106). The locking ring is polygonal in shape and includes a substantially cylindrical surface and a conical surface. The device further includes a pressure warning device (126) which has a secondary function as a locking mechanism inhibiting unintentional opening of the head when the system is pressurized.

Abstract: A plastic container having a container body and a permanently attached container lid is provided. The container lid is attached to the container body by a living hinge such that the entire plastic container is a one-piece construction. The container lid is pre-curved such that in an open state the container lid is curved. However, when the container lid mates with the container body in a closed state, at least a portion of the container lid that was previously curved becomes substantially planar such that portions of the lid remain biased into the container body.

Abstract: A closure for a food can including a foil end panel bonded to an intermediate ring which is fixed to the can body. The foil panel comprises a diaphragm having a centre panel which included at least one concentric bead. The profile of this beaded panel is selected so that its downward position is no greater than the lowest point of the intermediate ring. The provision of the bead(s) reduces pressure differences experienced by the diaphragm, particularly during processing of the can contents, due to the volume increase available from the beads.

Abstract: A cigarette package according to the present invention has a thin outer case (10) and an inner tray (14) inserted into the outer case (10) in a manner allowing the inner tray to be pulled out, the inner tray (14) having a head (16) functioning as a grip to pull the inner tray (14) out from the outer case (10) and a plurality of grooves (22) holding filter-tipped cigarettes (F) along the direction that the inner tray (14) is pulled out.

Abstract: A method of making an easy open end for a container includes steps of providing a can end blank having an end panel and forming the can end blank in a series of forming operations that are performed with specialized and unique tooling. The can end is preferably shaped during the forming operations so that a major portion of the end panel is curved. Specifically, the curvature is preferably such that a top surface of the major portion is generally concave and a bottom surface of the major portion is generally convex. The end panel is also preferably shaped and constructed so that the curved major portion will invert in shape upon the application of a sufficient predetermined pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces. A method of testing a fill level of a sealed container is performed in reliance on this “cricketing” or “oil canning” effect.

Abstract: An access-hole cover for support structures, such as light poles, highway sign supports and other structures that have access holes providing access to the interior of the structure. The access-hole cover prevents or reduces water and other foreign objects from entering the interior of the structure, which can cause deterioration of the structure and components therein.

Abstract: A water resistant absorbent towel dispenser. The dispenser includes a container having top, bottom and side walls housing a supply of absorbent towels, and an exterior handle for facilitating transport of the dispenser. The top wall includes a finger-accessible opening through which absorbent towels may be withdrawn. In certain embodiments, the top wall is convex upwardly, but is flexible to enable it to be depressed when dispensers are stacked vertically so as to come into load bearing contact with the towel supply. In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls have interlocking configurations to add lateral stability to vertically stacked dispensers.

Abstract: A food package has a container and a lid. The lid includes a planar surface and a convex dome that is above the planar surface. A transparent window in the convex dome attracts the attention of consumers since it is raised relative to the remainder of the lid. The lid also includes a concave dome that frames a raised logo or raised text within the dome. By framing the logo, the concave dome helps to direct a consumer's attention to the logo or text and helps to protect the logo or text from wear.

Abstract: An improved lid for beverage containers which facilitates access to the container's contents, enhances the user's sensory perception of the contents and boosts the overall drinking experience without being removed, is disclosed and claimed. The lid of the invention achieves its objectives by combining multiple sensory elements to simultaneously enhance the user's sensory responses. The sensory elements allow the passage of liquid and vapor, the conduction and convection of heat and the visual perception of color, level and movement of the beverage. The invention integrates multiple elements of a press and lock on a beverage container lid. The shape of the lid provides a thin rim simulating the thickness of a lidless cup or a non-disposable mug or cup. The lid provides a well deep enough to avoid contact between the nose and the lid in the drinking position, thereby allowing the user's head to remain more upright while drinking.

Abstract: A portable workstation for beadcrafting operations is provided. The workstation includes a base including at least one receptacle for holding parts such as beads, preferably in a desired pattern. A cover interfittable with the base includes a seal portion that engages and surrounds the receptacle so as to maintain the parts in their desired position, despite movement of the workstation.

Abstract: The invention is a spherical dome consisting of continuous prismatic members in three layers, an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The continuous prismatic members follow great circle arcs. The members of the three layers form a three-way grid, crossing at the vertices of contiguous spherical triangles. Three members, one from each layer, are connected together at each vertex with fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or welds. The continuous prismatic members of each layer can be spaced as desired to provide structural integrity, economy, and simplicity of construction. A tension ring, when required structurally, is provided at the bottom periphery of the dome to resist the vertical and horizontal forces generated by the supported loads. The combined elements provide a simple and economical spherical dome.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage can possessing excellent characteristics in pressure resistant strength in which a predetermined pressure requirement is ensured by a simple gauging down. An annular groove portion of the can lid is formed to have such cross-sectional shapes that a panel wall portion is connected to a chuck wall radius portion so that a tangential line at a second contact point is vertical with respect to an axial direction of a center panel portion, while a chuck wall portion is connected to the chuck wall radius portion so that a tangential line at a first contact point is inclined to the radially inner side, and a curved portion with a radius R1 is provided at a height h1 from the lowest point of the chuck wall radius portion and bent to the radially outer side.

Abstract: A lid for a cup includes an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable substantially in its entirety into a cup wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup. A surface extends from an interior face of the annular wall and the surface covers an area circumscribed by the annular wall. The surface has a dispensing orifice therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting selection devices or eyewear is provided. The apparatus comprises a collection bin component and at least one receptacle panel component or receptacle lid component positioned adjacent to said collection bin component. The at least one receptacle panel covers at least a portion of the collection bin component. The apparatus further includes receptacle panel openings formed in at least one receptacle panel component. Openings are arranged in proportions configured to receive the selection devices and enable the collection bin component to collect said selection devices. Signage may be provided in association with the apparatus.

Abstract: Expandable Container having Lid for Providing Headspace Control in a Food Can The invention relates to lids for cans for receiving foodstuff which are to be subjected to a thermal treatment above 50° C. as sterilization or at least pasteurization. The lid (1) has an annular ring (2) seamable to the can body which ring can be firmly and sealingly connected with the can body rim portion and a cover panel (3) which is sealingly disposed (13) to said ring. The annular ring comprises a flat web (6) that points towards a vertical central axis (8) of the lid and is axially outwardly inclined (11) with respect to a horizontal plane (15). The cover panel (3) is sealed to the flat inclined web by means of a radially outer ring band (3a). A central area (3b) that is surrounded by the ring band is axially inwardly preformed towards an interior in a dome or bowl-shaped fashion and thereby stabilized. After closing of the can, it is subjected to the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A sharps container for safe reception and storage of used pen needles, pen needle assemblies, syringe needles, syringe needle covers, and combinations thereof comprises a substantially non-porous housing which includes a means for receiving said pen needles, pen needle assemblies, syringe needles, syringe needle covers, and combinations thereof in an internal storage compartment sized to facilitate the safe storage of a plurality of used pen needles or syringe needles and optional needle covers. The internal storage compartment may include a material capable of absorbing and storing fluids which may incidentally be associated with the used pen needles or syringe needles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage bin, in particular a bin of storing foodstuffs, more particularly a bin for storing bread, comprising a box having an opening as well as a lid which is suspended from the box and can be moved between an open and a closed position for opening and closing the opening, respectively, characterized by pressing means for forcing the lid into the open position, and a closure which can be brought into an operative position for keeping the lid in the closed position and which can be brought into an inoperative position for moving the lid into the open position under the effect of the pressing means.

Abstract: An assembly for a waste disposal bin is provided. The assembly comprises an upper device adapted for mounting on an upper opening of a lower garbage receptacle. The upper element comprises a movable cavity having at least one opening. The cavity has a first position for receiving waste therein through the opening wherein the upper device closes the opening of the receptacle to prevent communication between the cavity and the receptacle and a second position for transferring the waste from the cavity to the receptacle wherein the upper device allows communication between the cavity and the receptacle and prevents communication between the receptacle and surroundings.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a conical-shaped cover device from a transparent, thermally deformable sheet material. The method includes supporting the sheet material about a peripheral base portion of the conical-shaped cover device to be formed. The base portion substantially encloses an interior region thereof. This region is heated to a deformable condition that enables deformability thereof. At least one of a central portion of the interior region and the base portion of the conical shaped device is urged in a direction opposite one another, generally along the longitudinal axis of the conical-shaped cover device. A non-contacted conical intermediate portion of the conical shaped cover, between the central portion and the base portion, is formed in a manner that substantially preserves the optical and/or surface finish properties of the sheet material without the need for secondary processing thereof.

Abstract: A thread protector for protecting threads of a pipe includes a body having female or male threads shaped for threaded engagement with male or female threads formed on a pin or box end of a pipe. An elastically flexible annular sealing projection extends from the body to a location where it will be elastically flexed by and in line contact with an end surface of the pipe when the threads of the protector are engaged with the threads of the pipe. The thread protector can protect the threads of a pipe against deposition of dirt and against rusting without application of grease.

Abstract: A cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and a tether connecting the lid to the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the cup includes a band extending therearound, and one end of the tether is connected to the band, and the other end of the tether is connected to the lid.

Abstract: A cup including a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top. Preferably the side wall includes an indented portion and a raised portion that cooperate to define a slot portion that is adapted to receive a lid. The lid can be slid into and retained in the slot portion.

Abstract: A washable flexible trash can cover includes a tear-resistant water repellent flexible washable material substantially circular in shape, including an elastic perimeter which thereby gathers the perimeter inwardly for snugly fitting the material over the open ends of trash cans of varying perimeters, and two slits provided on opposing ends of a diameter of the washable material through which trash can handles can pass and clamp down over the cover, securing the cover snugly to the cans while permitting normal access to the handles. The material can be made of non-toxic biodegradable cloth. The material can be made of tear-resistant nylon. The elastic perimeter preferably includes an elastic band attached to the material by folding the perimeter of said material over said band and sewing, gluing or adhering the folded over perimeter to the material. The material can be made from material that is non-toxic when incinerated. The material can be fabric impregnated with insecticide.

Abstract: Suggested is a metallic beverage can having a can body (1) for receiving a beverage filled into an inside (1i) of said body at a filler's location. The body is made from a sheet material, and having a wall portion (1b, 1c) with axial ends. One axial end of the wall portion having a first portion (1.1), said first portion having a domed, axially outward vaulted shape, and being the bottom of the can body. The second portion having a body hook (2.5) for receiving and supporting a lid (2) for seaming and closing the can body to form a closed can. The first portion (1.1) has a spout (3, 3?) of a diameter less than a diameter of said wall portion (1b), and a cap (4, 4?) for closing (and opening) the spout.

Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.

Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a pressurized material to be applied to the body. In one embodiment, the package comprises a container body having a cavity for containing a pressurized material to be applied to the body, the container body having an outer surface. An applicator is positioned adjacent the outer surface and is configured to dispense pressurized material. A cap is captively engaged with the container body, the cap being movable over the outer surface between a closed position in which the applicator is substantially shielded and an open position in which the applicator is substantially exposed. In another embodiment, the container body includes a body facing edge and a recessed surface bounded by the body facing edge, the recessed surface extending inwardly from the body facing edge. An applicator is configured to dispense the material and is positioned along the recessed surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a heat pipe is provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel. Then, the pinched-off portion of the vessel is pressed so as to move it from a first position wherein the portion is convex to a second position wherein the portion is concave.

Abstract: A container covering system comprises a flexible film cover including an elastic peripheral portion. The film cover forms a seal around a container on which the covering system is placed.

Abstract: A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming a heat pipe is also provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel.

Abstract: A collapsible storage device comprising a resilient frame and sheet material with respect to which the frame is located. The resilient frame and sheet material form the side walls of the device and are movable between a flattened condition and an erected condition to which the resilient frame is biased. At one end of the device there is provided a base and at the other end there is provided an opening. The opening has a single closure element which has a first part attached to one side of the opening and a leading edge which can be moved about a pivotal point between a position at the said one side of the opening so that the storage device is open and a position at or in contact with the other side of the opening to close the opening. The closure element is movable with the storage device between flattened and erected conditions.

Abstract: A storage device (2) comprising a resilient frame (6) held in a housing with respect to sheet material, the resilient frame (6) and sheet material forming the sidewalls (4) of the device (2). The resilient frame (6) is movable between a flattened condition in which the resilient frame (6) is compressed and an erected condition to which the resilient frame (6) is biased. At one end of the device there is provided a base (8) and at the other end there is provided an opening (10) with closure means 11. The closure means (11), when moved to a closed position in one embodiment extend away from the opening and in all embodiments do not require any storage space in the device to be left unused.

Abstract: A container has a cup-like lower body that receives liquid therein, the lower body having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth. The container also has an inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an open lower mouth, and an opening provided in the top wall. The upper body is removably connected to the lower body with the open mouths thereof in communication with each other to form an interior chamber. The container also includes a lid pivotably coupled to the top wall and covering the opening, and a stopper inserted through the opening.

Abstract: A fill port assembly has a base having a recessed pocket with an arcuately concave base wall and mutually parallel sidewalls. A fill port is located intermediate the upper and lower ends of the base wall and a fill port cover is slidably mounted on the sidewalls for movement along an arcuate path from a first, normal, position in which the cover covers the fill port to a second, raised, position in which the cover is located above the fill port and the lower part of the base wall is exposed. In the raised position, the upper end of the cover projects upwardly and forwardly from the pocket so that the front surface of the cover and the lower part of the bottom wall of the pocket form a funnel for directing water into the fill port.