Abstract: This device is intended to provide a quick and easy way for one person to load and transport a relatively large number and weight of tree leaves without a great amount of strain or strength. It's size and configuration allows leaves to be collected on the specially designed tarp which is then hooked to the top of the device, and then easily rolled away with one hand.

Abstract: A towable mover includes a flexible mat and a hollow tow bar substantially contained in a sleeve at the leading edge of the mat. A tow rope is coupled to each end of the tow bar for towing. Couplings include a plug assembly securely received within the interior space at an end of the tow bar and a rope coupling assembly attached to the plug assembly. The plug assembly includes a resilient elastomeric cylindrical plug, the diameter of which swells when the ends are squeezed together by tightening a bolt. The rope coupling assembly is external to the tow bar and external to the sleeve. The sleeve is disposed between portions of the mat that may freely fold to allow passage through narrow spaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for sampling from a cell culture bioreactor. The invention is useful where it is required to determine the cell count, provide a sample for off-line analyses or remove a sample while at the same time retain sterility of the sample for quality control (QC) assessment. The device of the invention allows for facile aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time during a cell expansion in a bioreactor.

Abstract: A greeting card containing with a tote bag releasably attached thereto. The tote bag may be folded into a small pouch which is then attached to one or more panels of the greeting card. The tote may be of the reusable kind and may be removed and used by the recipient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel container (1) of thermoplastic plastics material having an upper base (2) and a lower base (3) which are supported against each other by means of at least one column-like support element (4), wherein the support element (4) is connected in a positive-locking manner and/or materially engaging manner to a wall (6) of the upper base on the one hand and to a wall (6) of the lower base on the other hand in such a manner that it can absorb tensile forces and/or pressure forces, wherein the support element (4) is constructed in several pieces and the support element is divided longitudinally and comprises at least two segments (8) which complement each other in cross-section and which form a common support face at the end side.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.

Abstract: A packaging article comprises a heat-shrinkable multilayer film having a first heat seal running the length of the article and a second heat seal running across the bottom of the internal volume of the article. The packaging article also comprises a skirt outward of the second heat seal, the skirt having first and second tear initiators positioned so that a superimposed straight line extending through the inward and outward ends of each tear initiator intersects a superimposed straight line extending through the ends of the first heat seal at a lesser included angle of from 25 degrees to 55 degrees, with the inward end of each the first and second tear initiators terminating at a location which is from 3 to 30 millimeters from the first heat seal and 3 to 50 millimeters from the second heat seal.

Abstract: Plant seed compositions are disclosed that comprise a herbicide-resistant variety as a major component and two or more additional varieties as minor components. One of the minor varieties is herbicide-resistant. Each variety is phenotypically distinguishable from all other varieties in the seed mixture.

Abstract: A container comprising an absorbent sheet and methods for manufacturing the container are disclosed. The absorbent sheet is attached to the upper part of the container inside in a manner that is readily detachable when needed to clean a contamination or a spill. The absorbent sheet may cover one side to as many as all four sides of the container, have one or more plies, form a continuous sheet or cover any one side as individual sheets, and contain perforations to reduce the likelihood of tearing the sheet upon removal. A method for affixing the absorbent sheet to the container comprises spraying adhesive onto designated areas on the base container sheet and affixing absorbent sheets to the areas containing the adhesive prior to folding the container. In another embodiment, the method comprises spraying the adhesive and affixing the absorbent sheet after the container is folded.

Abstract: A fabric bag for holding an audio playback device. The fabric bag includes a control device constructed substantially in fabric for controlling an audio playback device. The control device comprises a control portion having indicated regions thereon. The indicated regions are responsive to individually applied manual presses so as to control discrete operations of said audio playback device, and the control portion, including the indicated regions, is responsive to manually applied strokes or gestures so as to control variable operations of the audio playback device.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an embedded wireless device such as a RFID tag molded into separate housing formed of any thermoplastic material compatible to that of the plastic material as the device to which the housing is to be attached. Subsequently, the housed tag assembly can be thermally bonded onto the device through many means which are well known and accepted in the industry.

Abstract: Plant seed compositions are disclosed that comprise a herbicide-resistant variety as a major component and two or more additional varieties as minor components. One of the minor varieties is herbicide-resistant. Each variety is phenotypically distinguishable from all other varieties in the seed mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endosurgical extraction bag for collecting body tissue or body fluid, with a bag main part formed from a flexible envelope, and with a first admission opening for introducing tissue or fluid into the bag main part of the bag. Arranged in the bag main part, there is an inner envelope which is connected to the main part (bag) and opens toward the first admission opening, but adjoins the bag main part sealingly in respect of the first admission opening, and which has a second admission opening at its second end remote from the first admission opening and spaced apart from an end of the bag main part remote from the first admission opening, through which second admission opening the tissue or fluid can be introduced into the bag main part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the appearance and physical stability of a gift bag, including a pair of elongated flat members, an elongated support member connected between the respective elongated flat members, and a decoration having a first compressed storage configuration and a second decompressed actuated configuration and connected to the elongated support member. The pair of elongated flat members may be oriented generally perpendicular to the elongated support member and generally parallel to each other to define a bag-insertion configuration and inserted into a bag having a generally rectangular bottom panel and oppositely disposed parallel sides extending therefrom such that each respective flat member is positioned adjacent a respective oppositely disposed side panel. The decoration may be opened into the decompressed actuated configuration.

Abstract: A waste collection device configured to shred, treat waste with disinfectant, and/or remove water from the waste, and a waste recycling system.

Abstract: A waste recycling system and method for collecting, maintaining the custody of, and tracking targeted waste from collection to recycling. The system and method utilizes tagged containers, preferably electronically tagged plastic bags containing the targeted waste to allow sorting of the targeted waste from a general waste stream or recyclable waste stream.

Abstract: A combination eating utensil including a spoon having a bowl extending from a first handle, wherein the first handle includes a first distal end arranged opposite the bowl and having an overhang, and a first upper surface comprising a protuberance having a lip; and, a fork having a plurality of tines extending from a second handle, wherein the second handle includes a second distal end arranged opposite the plurality of tines and a second upper surface comprising a member having a groove adapted to interlock with the lip, wherein the second distal end is adapted to be inserted underneath the overhang, the spoon is removably secured to the second utensil when the groove is interlocked with the lip, and the groove is arranged to pivot toward and interlock with the lip.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a process for forming a flexible liquid-packaging pouch. This process improves fill-accuracy of the flowable material contained in the pouch. Specifically, the invention relates to a process for improving the fill-accuracy of a pouch by incorporating at least one stand-pipe in a balance tank that feeds the pouch with flowable material to be packaged. This invention also relates to such apparatus for improving the fill-accuracy of the flexible liquid-packaging pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

Abstract: A bag and zipper assembly includes, side gussets of the bag are at inwardly folded positions between first and second panels. Each side gusset of the bag has a set of one or more gusset openings adjacent an open end of the bag. The first panel has a corresponding set of one or more panel openings, and adhesive extends in each of the openings for the adhesive to adhere the side gussets to the first panel and restrain each side gusset from movement outwardly from between the first and second panels.

Abstract: In a vessel, such as a flexible bag, a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device and supported by a bearing, such as a roller bearing.

Abstract: A packaging bag includes a sealed bag and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to an easily tearable line proximate to a sealed end of the sealed bag, such that when a user tears the sealed bag along the easily tearable line, the RFID tag is damaged to effectively prevent confidential information stored in the RFID tag from being stolen by others.

Abstract: A waste dust containment system includes a bag and a waste-dust fill chute. The bag is formed to include an interior region for storing dust. The waste dust fill chute conveys waste dust generated in a factory into the interior region of the bag. Once filled with wasted dust, the bag is delivered to a waste-dust disposal site away from the factory.

Abstract: The invention provides portable bags having integrated displays. Disclosed embodiments include apparatus and associated methods providing integrated electronic displays providing one or more illumination, audio, or radio frequency capabilities. Chemical displays include illumination and scent dispersal capabilities. Embodiments of bags with integrated displays also include electronic displays having at least one associated charging element for charging a charge storage element for powering the display.

Abstract: A plastic bag with a removable coupon section and a method for forming plastic bags with removable coupon sections is presented. The bag comprises a bag portion and a coupon portion. The coupon portion comprises two flaps. Each flap representing at least one coupon. The coupons are separable from the bag portion due to perforations. Where multiple coupons are contained on the same flap, the coupons may be separated from one another due to perforations. The flaps are either not joined to one another due to notching of the plastic film from which they are formed or are separable due to welded perforations. This enables the coupons the be individually removed without disturbing other coupons. In the method for making the plastic bags with a removable coupon section, a roll of plastic film is folded over onto itself and welded together. The initial weld forms the bottom of the bag portion. The coupon portion may be perforated to assist in the separation of the coupon from the bag portion.

Abstract: A compact, two-sided, lightweight, stretchable, tri-fold pouch for outdoor use. The fabric is waterproof on one side and soft on the other side. The pouch protects items placed inside the pouch as well as items packed adjacent the pouch. The waterproof fabric may be on the inside or the outside of the pouch. The pouch elasticity permits tight encapsulation of stowed items and the accommodation of large, rigid items. The pouch may be carried in pockets, worn with belts or straps through loops on the pouch, attached to other objects, or placed inside other containers.

Abstract: Bag comprising a material having a 2% secant tensile modulus of at least 100 MPa as measured according to ASTM D882 and a thickness of at least 30 microns and containing a composition comprising: thin, shaped particles having a main length, a, of at least 1.5 mm, base granules having an average geometric mean particle diameter, of at most 0.8*a mm, or even at most 0.6*a mm, or even 0.4*a mm.

Abstract: A collapsible fluid storage tank is disclosed. The fluid storage tank may include a bladder configured to store fluids, occupy a variable space, and collapse as the stored fluid is depleted. The fluid storage tank may also include at least one component configured to connect the bladder to a machine.

Abstract: High temperature bags for use in high temperature processes. Suitable high temperature processes include cooking food products, such as whole muscle meats, and sterilization of medical instruments. The high temperature bags may be comprised of multilayer films comprising materials that can withstand high temperatures and also have other beneficial properties such as, for example, the ability to be readily heat sealed, durability, no adhesion to food products, and good/improved moisture and gas barrier properties. These high temperature bags can preferably withstand temperatures greater than the boiling point of water, i.e., 212° F., more preferably greater than 300° F. and more even more preferably greater than 350° F. Furthermore, the high temperature bags may be used to freeze and ship products and may be placed directly into a high temperature environment, such as an oven or microwave, in order to cook or sterilize a product contained within the bag.

Abstract: The invention describes a sack (220) which (220) is formed by first transverse sealing seams (110, 150) from a foil tube (101), and which (101) is provided with at least a first vent channel (20), which runs largely parallel to the axis of the film tube (101), and whose inner (40) film layer has first vent openings for venting of the sack interior (210) into the first vent channel (20). It is characteristic that at least a second vent channel (140) is provided, which is connected to the first vent channel (140) by second vent openings (90, 100, 200), and which, in turn, has third vent openings (120), which vent the at least one second vent channel (140).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for facilitating consuming food or drink from a container, for example to a mouthpiece of a mask. An embodiment of the adapter includes a body that can be connected to a drink container, a connector for connecting the adapter to the mouthpiece of the mask, and a transferring element for transferring the drink to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An odor-containment system for use with a flexible bag and a receptacle for holding waste items includes a body configured to be connected to the receptacle for holding waste items, the body providing a passageway through the body, and a plurality of sealing members attached, directly or indirectly, to the body and disposed across the passageway, the sealing members being disposed adjacent to each other in a static, closed position of the system such that a flexible bag inserted between the sealing members will be forced closed, where the body is configured to cover an opening of the receptacle for receiving the waste items, where the sealing members are attached to the body such that the sealing members can separate from each other to permit one of the waste items to be inserted between the sealing members, and where the sealing members are biased toward the static, closed position with the sealing members adjacent to each other such that when a waste moves out from between the sealing members, the sealing m

Abstract: A flexible pouch for containing a carbonated product, and having a curvilinear shaped lower edge and method of producing the same is provided. The pouch includes a pouch body having an upper edge, a curvilinear bottom edge, and a side edge extending between the upper edge and bottom edge. The curvilinear bottom edge includes a curvilinear bottom seal corresponding to the curvilinear bottom edge, to distribute a force from the product evenly across the curvilinear bottom seal. The method forming a pouch body from a panel of laminate material, and aligning the first side edge with the second side edge to form the front wall and back wall of the pouch body. The method includes forming a side seal and forming a curvilinear bottom seal corresponding to the curvilinear bottom edge of the pouch body.

Abstract: A plastic bag includes a body portion, a handle portion forming an opening adapted to be grasped to carry the body portion, and a closure portion. The body portion has a bottom, opposed front and back panels extending from the bottom, and opposed first and second side panels extending from the bottom and connecting the front and back panels. The bottom, the front and back panels, and the first and second side panels form a receptacle space having a mouth located opposite the bottom. Preferably, the bottom is flat and the first and second side portions form gussets. The handle portion and the closure portion are preferably formed by adjacent layers of a folded plastic sheet secured to the back panel. The closure portion preferably includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to the front panel to close the mouth.

Abstract: A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: A bag expanding device includes a base portion having two first foldable portions connected to two sides thereof along a first folding portion which is connected between the first foldable portion and the base portion. Two second foldable portions are connected to the two first foldable portions along a second folding portion which is located to connect the first foldable portion and the second foldable portion. Each of the two first folding portions and each of the two second folding portions have at least one biasing member connected thereto such that the first and second foldable portions can be expanded away from the base portion to expand the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting device comprising a collecting device for collection of body fluids. The invention relates to a collecting device arranged in a compact configuration wherein the dimensions of the collecting device is small in comparison with the dimensions of the collecting device in an unfolded configuration. In particular the invention relates to a bag having an inner folding and an outer folding. Two pull points may further be arranged so that the application of oppositely directed forces to the first and second pull-points will lead to unfolding of the inner folding. With this arrangement the outer folding may be forced to unfold as the inner folding unfolds.

Abstract: A container that has perforations oriented so that when the container is opened along the perforations, the container forms a mat. The container may also be configured to form a tray when opened along the perforations. The perforations may be oriented so that the converted container provides a generally planar placemat portion that is integral with a tray portion. The perforations may also be oriented to produce a generally planar mat portion that is detached from the tray portion. The container is preferably made out of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil, metal and wood and is in the form of a bag or box. The use of the convertible container and method therefor allows a user to easily convert the container into a mat and tray that provides a clean surface for the objects and allows the user to easily access the objects once the container is open.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein.

Abstract: A bag stuffer for placement in a bag, comprising a first panel, a second panel, and an articulated support beam connected between the first and second panels. The articulated beam has a collapsed storage position with the first and second panels substantially adjacent each other and substantially parallel to each other for a storage position of the bag, and an extended or expanded bracing position for holding the first and second panels spaced from each other and for holding the bag in a stuffed display position. The articulated support beam also has at least two beam panels and at least one elastic band for biasing the two beam panels toward each other for biasing the articulated support beam from the collapsed storage toward the expanded bracing position.

Abstract: A shaped resilient foam insert and a method of maintaining a shape and reducing wrinkling and creasing of a handbag during storage are provided. The method includes opening the handbag to expose an interior cavity thereof which is formed by walls of the handbag. The interior cavity has a first set of dimensions and the shaped resilient foam body (insert) is disposed within the interior cavity. The foam body has a second set of dimensions with at least one dimension of the second set being greater than one dimension of the first set so that the foam body applies an outward force against walls of the handbag so that the handbag maintains its shape during storage and the walls are supported during storage so as to help prevent wrinkling and creasing of the handbag.

Abstract: A polymeric twist tie 20 is taught that utilizes a thermoplastic monofilament 22 having an oriented characteristic produced by stretching a pre-heated monofilament through a heated, volume reducing die. The monofilament 22 is then coated 30 circumferentially with an extrusion of thermoplastic enclosing the monofilament while simultaneously forming a pair of opposed wings 32 integral with the coating. The wings extend outwardly from the coated monofilament allowing the tie to be twisted upon itself with the monofilament retaining its basic configuration and the wings stretching and bending to conform within a coupled twist. The oriented monofilament is fabricated using high density polyethylene and the covering extruded with low density polyethylene which are dissimilar in density, melt index and basic thermoplastic morphology.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a flexible mixing bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a liquid solution. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the mixing bag. A shaft has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the shaft is connected to the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag. The second end of the shaft is disposed outside of the compartment. A seal is formed between the mixing bag and the shaft or the mixer to enable the shaft to raise and lower the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag while preventing leaking of the liquid solution.

Abstract: The bath product employs halite and a mixture of herbs and spices packed in water permeable bath bags to condition bath water and emit fragrances. The bath product includes five water permeable bags contained in an outer carrying bag. Four of the five water permeable bags contain the mixture and one contains halite. The mixture includes ground lemongrass, wrinkled skin lime, wrinkled skin lime leaves, holy basil, Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., and mint.

Abstract: A plastic bag with a removable coupon section and a method for forming plastic bags with removable coupon sections is presented. The bag comprises a bag portion and a coupon portion. The coupon portion comprises two flaps. Each flap representing at least one coupon. The coupons are separable from the bag portion due to perforations. Where multiple coupons are contianed on the same flap, the coupons may be seperated from one another due to perforations. The flaps are either not joined to one another due to notching of the plastic film from which they are formed or are separable due to welded perforations. This enables the coupons the be individually removed without disturbing other coupons. In the method for making the plastic bags with a removable coupon section, a roll of plastic film is folded over onto itself and welded together. The initial weld forms the bottom of the bag portion. The coupon portion may be perforated to assist in the separation of the coupon from the bag portion.

Abstract: Plastic shopping bags having attached promotional ad strips are described. In bags have gusseted side edges the ad strips are attached within or above the gussets either by heat sealing the strip to the bottom seal and adhering the other end of the strip at the upper end of the bag or adhering the strip to the bag at both ends. In non-gusseted bags, the strips are either heat sealed to the bottom seal and adhered to the upper end of the bag or the strips are adhered at both ends to the front or rear surfaces of the bag. In gusseted T-shirt type handle bags, the intermediate portion of the ad strip is adhered to either the inside or the outside of the gusset. The strips include promotional advertising on at least one surface and include perforations allowing the advertising to be removed from the remainder of the strip.

Abstract: Plastic shopping bags having attached promotional ad strips are described. In bags have gusseted side edges the ad strips are attached within or above the gussets either by heat sealing the strip to the bottom seal and adhering the other end of the strip at the upper end of the bag or adhering the strip to the bag at both ends. In non-gusseted bags, the strips are either heat sealed to the bottom seal and adhered to the upper end of the bag or the strips are adhered at both ends to the front or rear surfaces of the bag. In gusseted T-shirt type handle bags, the intermediate portion of the ad strip is adhered to either the inside or the outside of the gusset. The strips include promotional advertising on at least one surface and include perforations allowing the advertising to be removed from the remainder of the strip.

Abstract: A plurality of supports for supporting flexible walls of motorcycle saddlebags including panels shaped to conform to front, rear, side, bottom and top walls of a motorcycle saddlebag. In one embodiment, a single resilient member extends along the front, bottom and rear wall.