Abstract: Methods for moving a device from an opened position to a closed position so as to enclose at least two relatively rigid articles. The device may include at least two members pivotally connected together at one end portion thereof for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis and having locking apparatus at the other end portion thereof. Moving the device from the opened position to the closed position may include applying a force to at least one portion of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for applying adhesive to packaging in a variety of configurations. The adhesive may be applied by a nozzle in a first direction, a second direction and a stationary spot, wherein the first direction and the second direction are transverse to each other.

Abstract: An improved packaging material may include a substrate which is normally susceptible to permeation by substances such as oil or grease. A colorant layer may be applied to the outer surface of the substrate. The colorant layer may be of a color chosen to closely resemble or to overpower the appearance of a stain on the substrate which would otherwise be caused by the substances. In this manner, the colorant layer serves to mask the stain which would otherwise be caused by substances permeating through the substrate. A second colorant layer may optionally be provided over the first colorant layer to provide a uniform background of a desired color. Graphics, e.g, text and/or images, may then be applied to the first or second colorant layer in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: A sealant dispensing system is disclosed which is capable of applying sealant material to irregularly shaped, i.e., non-circular, closure members. To accomplish this, the closure member is loaded onto a rotary chuck in a conventional manner. The sealant applying gun, however, is moveable relative to the end. In this manner, through a combination of rotation of the closure member and movement of the gun, the gun is able to follow the outline of a closure member of any shape. In order to allow non-circular closure members to be loaded onto a chuck, the chuck must first be stopped. After the closure member is loaded, chuck rotation is then initiated. In order to allow this selective chuck rotation, the chuck may be attached to a servo motor. An electromagnet may be located in proximity to each chuck of the sealant dispensing system.

Abstract: A sealant dispensing system is disclosed which is capable of applying sealant material to irregularly shaped, i.e., non-circular, closure members. To accomplish this, the closure member is loaded onto a rotary chuck in a conventional manner. The sealant applying gun, however, is moveable relative to the end. In this manner, through a combination of rotation of the closure member and movement of the gun, the gun is able to follow the outline of a closure member of any shape. In order to allow non-circular closure members to be loaded onto a chuck, the chuck must first be stopped. After the closure member is loaded, chuck rotation is then initiated. In order to allow this selective chuck rotation, the chuck may be attached to a servo motor. An electromagnet may be located in proximity to each chuck of the sealant dispensing system.

Abstract: A carton blank having an outer layer of a relatively rigid material, a first inner layer of a relatively rigid material superposed over a portion of the outer layer and a second inner layer of a relatively flexible layer of a fluid impervious material is provided with first and second weakened portions so that, after a carton has been formed from the carton blank, filled with a desired material and sealed, the first weakened portion may be broken to form a flip top lid which when moved in an arcuate path will gradually sever the second weakened portion to form an opening in the carton so that an amount of the desired material may be removed from the carton.

Abstract: In a fluid flow restrictor, the amount of fluid flow restriction increases in response to higher dispensing system pressures and decreases in response to lower dispensing system pressures. In this manner, a relatively consistent flow rate of fluid being dispensed can be maintained regardless of fluctuations in system pressure. Variable resistance is provided by changing the length of the fluid flow path or by changing the cross-sectional area, and, thus, the volume of the fluid flow path, or by changing both the length and the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a an improved dispensing system which allows nitrogenized liquids to be dispensed from a relatively low pressure dispensing system (i.e., one operating in a relatively low pressure range). To accomplish this, the improved dispensing system includes holes having very small cross-sectional areas. The improved dispensing system may be formed so as to facilitate the manufacturability of the holes required for the proper dispensing of nitrogenized liquids. For this purpose, the improved dispensing system may include a dispensing valve body and an insert member having a plurality of grooves therein. When the insert member is inserted within the valve body, the insert member grooves, along with a portion or portions of the valve body, together form the plurality of holes required for the proper dispensing of nitrogenized liquids.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a dispensing container, such as a beverage dispensing container, may be in the form of a pressure pouch package which includes an outer pouch and an inner pouch. The inner pouch may be a pressure pouch having multiple compartments and components of an at least two component gas generating system contained within the compartments. The outer pouch may be sized so that it will not open when the pressure pouch is initially activated but will only open after a first quantity of product is dispensed from the dispensing container. In this manner, the outer pouch serves to maintain the folded configuration of the pressure pouch until after a first quantity of product is first dispensed from the container. This, in turn, prevents entrapment of the pressure pouch reactive components from occurring. The outer pouch also serves to prevent the pressure pouch from coming into contact with the product until after a first quantity of product is first dispensed from the container.

Abstract: An instrument for the manipulation of fine structures, said instrument detecting hand tremor and compensating for this hand tremor by effecting counter-movements of the working tip. The main area of application will probably lie in the field of microsurgery, since the operations performed in said field can be made difficult by the hand tremor of the operating surgeon. Here, the tremor is detected by movement sensors, by repeated analysis of the position of the handheld part (1) of the instrument, or by deriving electromyographic signals from the forearm of the operator. Intentional and unintentional movements are differentiated from one another on the basis of one or more criteria, such as movement amplitude, speed, frequency and direction. To compensate for undesired movements, signals are sent to an arrangement of actuators (3) which cause deflections of the movable part (4) of the instrument, which deflections at the tip of the instrument compensate for the hand tremor.

Abstract: A bottle inspection apparatus and method are disclosed in which an improved housing contains an imaging device which is focused at a target area through an unobstructed window opening formed in a wall of the housing. The housing includes a sleeve member which may be attached to the housing in the vicinity of the unobstructed window opening and which may be positioned in close proximity to the imaging device, thus creating a restricted air path between the sleeve member and the imaging device which restricts the flow of cooling air exiting the housing. The imaging device may be mounted on a slide mount system such that it is adjustably moveable toward and away from the sleeve in order to adjustably control the amount of air restriction imposed and, thus, adjustably control the rate at which cooling air exits the housing.