Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a miniature pressure compensating device (10), for balancing pressure fluctuations in a hydraulic system, comprising at least one shell (12), at least one hollow hydraulic cylinder (16), at least one reciprocating piston (26) and at least one non-return valve (NRV) (28). The hydraulic cylinder (16) comprises at least one dual charging valve port (22) for facilitating charging of both said compressible and incompressible fluid and at least one built-in two-tier scaling mechanism (24) comprising at least one metal-to-metal seal (24a) and at least one secondary seal (24b) to achieve effective isolation of the incompressible and compressible fluids. The present miniature pressure compensating device (10) has a volume below 13 cc.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to containers and other shaped articles that have a relatively thick substrate layer and one or more relatively thin liner sheets peelably adhered thereto. Animal litter can be placed atop the liner sheets, preferably in a concave portion to contain the litter. The liner sheets have perforations extending therethrough that permit the passage of non-soiled litter, but do not permit the passage of at least one of animal feces and soiled animal litter, such as clumps of litter and urine. After an animal has deposited waste on or in the litter, the liner sheet can be peeled from the container and waste unable to pass through the perforations can be collected.

Abstract: A disposable dish with integral trash bag devised includes a biodegradable food-receiving element, such as a plate, and a biodegradable disposable cover for the food-receiving element for storage, protection against insects, and reduction of waste. An elastomeric outer edge on the cover continuously releasably attaches to an underside of an outer perimeter of the food-receiving element. A fastener, such as an adhesive, a is disposed on the underside of the outer perimeter. The outer edge is further releasably attached to the fastener. In an unexpanded condition, the cover is removably disposed on and has close-fitting contact with only the bottom surface of the food-receiving element and conforms to the bottom surface to avoid increasing bulk to the food-receiving element. The cover is transformed from the unexpanded condition to an expanded condition to cover only the entire food-receiving element and a food product contained therein.

Abstract: A waste bag dispenser system is described which is comprised of track guides known as rails, and a replaceable waste bag cartridge attached to the bottom of the rails, which are preferably surrounded by screen walls. The waste bag cartridge stores a plurality of waste bags stacked on top of each other, connected temporarily in sequence. Each waste bag has multiple connecting tabs (T-bar tabs) affixed to the bag which align with and insert into a slot in the rails such that the tabs may only exit the slot from the top of the rails. The rails and waste bag cartridge are held in an aligned arrangement via either a clasping mechanism or a surrounding structure which inhibits the movement of both elements. Waste bags are pulled up from the waste bag cartridge to the top of the rails and held in place via at least one hook.

Abstract: A container includes a base portion made primarily of paper and a lid portion comprising plastic or other suitable material. The base portion includes a primary rim extending radially outward at, or proximate to, an opening to the interior storage region of the base portion, and circumscribing the opening. A plastic secondary rim is fixedly joined to a surface of the primary rim such that when the lid portion is removably received to the base portion, so as to close the opening, a peripheral sealing portion of the lid portion sealingly engages the plastic secondary rim, in pressed conformance therewith, making a plastic-against-plastic seal.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance system for use with nested containers includes a segmented wall liner assembly and removable cover. The segmented wall liner assembly includes a plurality of segments formed in an array, with each of the segments connected to at least one of the other of the segments, and which extend radially outward from a central point. Each of the segments has a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a central compartment which contains phase change material. The segmented wall liner assembly is capable of changing from a substantially flat, open position, to an angular position when removably disposed in-between the nested containers, and the nested containers have substantially concave surfaces, whereby the segments conform to the substantially concave surfaces when the segmented wall liner assembly is in the angular position.

Abstract: A multilayer stack of polymeric sheets can be used in thermoforming processes to make objects wherein each sheet has substantially the same shape. The stack includes at least one sheet of a thermoformable polymer, and can include many such sheets. A barrier layer is interposed between at least an overlapping portion at least two of the polymeric sheets in order to prevent fusion of the sheets in the overlapping portion during the thermoforming process. The barrier layer can include an adhesive that adheres the sheets in the overlapping portion. In formed articles including such an adhesive, the sheets can be manually peeled from one another if a suitable adhesive is selected. The stack (and object formed using the stack) can include polymeric sheets that are not thermoformable, but are adhered to the surface of a thermoformable sheet. The sheets and objects can include multiple separable and/or peelable sheets. The stack can be used, for example, to make peelable, re-usable food service trays.

Abstract: A food container has an inner container for holding the food items and an outer sleeve into which the inner container fits. The inner container may be held in the outer sleeve by a friction fit or a bayonet latch or other fastening means. The inner container includes two handles by with the inner container is lifted from the outer sleeve or by which the entire container is carried. A threaded lid with a gasket fastens onto the inner container. The lid and the outer sleeve may be insulated.

Abstract: A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.

Abstract: A dining plate includes a top portion with a substantially transparent window therein. The plate also includes a bottom portion with a bottom surface having a first outside receiving groove and second inside receiving groove. The bottom portion has a generally planar shape that corresponds generally to the shape of the top portion. The bottom portion also has a top surface with a continuous inner standing rib and an outward rim. The top and bottom portions are joined together so that the inner standing rib is releaseably positioned in the inside receiving groove and the outward rim is releaseably positioned in the outside receiving groove. A substantially watertight cavity is formed between a central section of each of the top and bottom portions. The cavity is aligned with the window in the top portion.

Abstract: A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.

Abstract: Described is a herb keeper comprising a body having a closed end and an open end defining a cavity therebetween, and a removable tray portion sized to be slidingly received within the cavity of the body, at least one flexible projection extending from the body toward the tray portion, wherein the tray portion is held in a rest position by the at least one flexible projection.

Abstract: The invention is a device that is designed to keep foods placed within it cold and the bugs away. The invention has a tub made out of a double layer of plastic. The tub has a drain in the bottom so water from melting ice can be drained off. The double walled construction is design to allow the tub to sit on a flat surface but still allow liquid to be removed by the drain. The tub also contains indentions in the bottom for the placement of the top tubes of a stand. On top of the tub is placed a covering that makes a quarter circle and covers the top. The covering is attached to the tub and stays in place when the tub is in use. The covering can be rotated for use.

Abstract: A liquid sample or liquid reagent reservoir kit employs a reusable reservoir base and disposable liners made of a clear transparent plastic material. Graduation marks are located on the sidewall surface of the basin in the reusable reservoir base, and are calibrated to measure liquid volumes in a disposable liner placed within the reusable reservoir base. The transparency of the clear disposable liner allows the liquid volume graduation marks on the sidewall of the basin in the reusable base to be observed through the disposable liner. The disposable liners are configured so that the liners can also be used as a cover. The geometry of the disposable liners facilitates tight nesting of stacked liners to facilitate shipping as well as storage on the laboratory bench top.

Abstract: A cover for an underplate made of a discoidal shaped stretchable material which diameter is larger than that of said underplate is provided. The periphery of the cover includes a fastening element having elastic memory disposed thereabout.

Abstract: A disposable plastic or paper plate having a skirt around an outer periphery thereof, the skirt either having an elastic element integrally formed therein, or having an elastic band around a bottom portion. The disposable plate may be placed onto a hard plate for support, and the elastic skirt is placed over the sides of the hard plate so that the skirt contracts beneath the hard plate and holds the disposable plate onto the hard plate without sliding off the hard plate. The disposable plate serves as a liner, so that after the disposable plate is placed on the hard plate and the skirt is holding the disposable plate in place on the hard plate, food may be placed onto the disposable plate for consumption. After the meal is finished, the disposable plate may be removed from the hard plate and disposed of, which eliminates the need for washing the hard plate.

Abstract: A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.

Abstract: The device is a Pet Dish for holding Disposable Liners. The dish is durable and washable, but the liner can be disposable, in a form that is conventionally available from a number of pre-existing supply sources. The dish is aesthetically pleasing. The dish and liners cooperate so that the liner inserted into the dish will not inadvertently be forced out by the eating pet, nor should the liner be allowed to spin within the dish. The dish and liners are also configured so that a stack of liners can be held conveniently within a single dish. The dish may resemble the face of a pet, such as a cat or dog.

Abstract: A pet dish apparatus that includes a spring loaded base unit, on top of which sits a permanent feeding and watering bowl. Multiple disposable bowls are nested in the permanent bowl, which keeps them aligned both vertically and horizontally. A hinged ring like lid that rims the apparatus and clamps down over the disposable bowls and outer top of apparatus to keep bowls in place, keeping them from popping up and keeping them free from food and debris that could be caught in between the disposable bowls and the inner lining of the apparatus. The spring loaded base will allow disposable inserts to rise to top of apparatus as each discarded bowl is removed. The permanent bowl can also be used for feeding when disposable bowls are unavailable. The solid construction of the base, weight of the apparatus and permanent bowl, and rubberized disc at bottom of bowl, will keep the pet dish apparatus stable to the floor.

Abstract: A pet feeding system includes a dish having an upwardly projecting elongated handle. A liner is shaped and dimensioned to fit over the dish. An anti-rotation mechanism prevents the liner from rotating with respect to the dish.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a platter ensemble that has two platters inter nested or stack, so that they appear as one unit. The upper platter has a large recessed area to hold the foodstuff, such as lobster or other shellfish. This recessed area has slots or holes to allow for the drainage of the liquid from the foodstuff, which is then contained by the lower platter. The upper platter has a supporting system of continuous tabs or stand offs that contact and separate the upper platter from the lower platter, so as to prevent deflection of the upper platter from the weight of the foodstuff or the pressures exerted by a fork or knife, for example. The upper platter also has a smaller recessed reservoir area to hold sauces, melted butter, or similar items. The lower platter has one continuous recessed area that is deeper and slightly larger than the upper platter to allow for inter nesting, stacking, and the containment of the liquid that has drained from the foodstuff.

Abstract: A Pet Dish and Disposable Liner. The dish is durable and washable, but the liner is made from low-cost material such that it can be disposable, if desired. The dish and liner are both aesthetically pleasing, particularly since they resemble a pet's face. The dish and liners are cooperatively designed so that the liner inserted into the dish will not inadvertently be forced out by the eating pet, nor will the liner be allowed to spin within the dish. The dish and liner are also configured so that a stack of liners can be held conveniently within a single dish.

Abstract: Active foodware comprises at least a plate unit that provides visual stimuli by having a power source and a visual sensory stimulating component to provide light emanating from the plate. Other devices can provide auditory and haptic stimuli. The plate unit can be a single component where the device and circuitry are all contained in the unit and protected from water or can be two components an upper translucent plate and an underplate comprising the devices and circuitry for directing light through the upper plate.

Abstract: A tip resistant, stackable, disposable, lightweight bowl is provided. The tip resistant bowl is particularly useful for feeding or supplying drinks to pets or young children. The tip resistant bowl prevents or limits the amount of spillage of liquid or solid food. In one embodiment of the present invention a bowl is provided comprising an inner wall, an outer wall connected to the inner wall, an inner base connected to the inner wall, and an outer base connected to the outer wall. The inner wall and the inner base form a receptacle which can receive and hold liquid or food. The inner wall and the outer wall may define a cavity. The inner wall may be at about a one hundred degree angle with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present invention features a disposable, recyclable Dutch oven liner designed to simplify cooking with and cleaning a Dutch oven. Specifically, the Dutch oven liner of the present invention advantageously provides for a desirable cooking environment, allows easy removal of food, and provides simplified clean-up. The Dutch oven liner virtually eliminates the undesirable problems traditionally associated with cooking with and cleaning a Dutch oven. The liner is sized and dimensioned to fit various Dutch ovens and is placed within the Dutch oven prior to the addition of food. The liner is preferably comprised of a leak proof aluminum material possessing sufficient strength factors that enable it to be durable enough to withstand rigorous food preparation, handling, and cooking conditions. Once the food item is done cooking the liner can be pulled from the oven and thrown away or recycled.

Abstract: A composite bowl has a seamless, one-piece, stainless steel inner body with a covering or outer body formed of a flexible and resilient frictional material. The outer body has an enlarged bead around the rim of the bowl and the stainless inner body is rolled around the bead.

Abstract: A protective cover for protecting inner surfaces of cookware includes a non-selfsupporting surface that substantially overlies the inner surfaces. The protective cover may also include a handle portion attached to the non-selfsupporting surface that defines a handle opening for receiving a handle of the cookware and securing the protective cover to the cookware. Alternatively, the protective cover may include a non-selfsupporting enclosure defining an opening for receiving the cookware and protecting the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces of the cookware by substantially overlying the inner and outer surfaces thereof. A closure assembly for closing the opening of the non-selfsupporting enclosure is also included.

Abstract: A composite bowl has a seamless, one-piece, stainless steel inner body with a covering or outer body formed of a flexible and resilient frictional material. The outer body has an enlarged bead around the rim of the bowl and the stainless inner body is rolled around the bead.