Abstract: A venting plastic closure for use with an associated container includes an outer plastic cap having a top wall portion and an annular depending skirt including an internal thread formation. A disc-shaped sealing liner is positioned on the inside surface of the top wall portion for creating a top/inside seal with the associated container. In order to facilitate venting of gas pressure from within the container, and to facilitate removal of the closure from the container by consumers, the closure includes one or more positive stop elements which engage the container after the sealing liner of the closure has been sealingly engaged therewith. The stop elements act to limit the degree of sealing engagement between the sealing lines of the closure and the finish of the closure.

Abstract: An electrical contact system including an elastomeric conductive material of specified shape and size, said conductive material exhibiting a first plurality of electrical contact locations. An electrical power supply connected to the conductive material and communicable with the first electrical contact locations. A like plurality of second electrical contacts are arranged in abutting and substantially two dimensional contact with respect to the first electrical contact locations, an electrically communicable conduit extends from the second contacts. The two dimensional electrical communication established between the abutting first and second contacts allows for a range of misalignment existing therebetween during low current (typically in a range of 1 mA-1A) transfer across the electrical contact system.

Abstract: Ceramic inert anodes useful for the electrolytic production of aluminum are disclosed. The inert anodes comprise an oxide of Ni and Fe having a controlled Ni/(Ni+Fe) mole ratio which results in a single-phase structure at the operation temperatures of aluminum production cells. The Ni and Fe oxide material may also have a single-phase structure at the sintering temperature of the material. The single-phase inert anode materials maintain sufficient electrical conductivity at the operating temperatures of the cell, and also possess good mechanical stability.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for casting, hot rolling and annealing of non-heat treatable aluminum alloys which comprises continuously casting, hot rolling and, in-line with the hot rolling line, heating the aluminum sheet using infrared heat. The infrared heating system uses a control to assure that the aluminum alloy is heated to the proper temperature based on one or a number of process variables, such as hot rolling exit temperature, hot rolled product exit rate in terms of speed and product dimensions, and sheet temperature at the exit of the infrared heater. Variations in the infrared heating temperature can be tolerated in the product without deviating from target mechanical properties.

Abstract: A resealable package includes first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom edge, and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also includes a closure mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The closure mechanism includes first and second closure profiles, the first closure profile having first and second base strips with first and second interlocking closure members extending from the first and second base strips, respectively, and the second closure profile having third and fourth base strips with third and fourth interlocking closure members extending from the third and fourth base strips, respectively.

Abstract: A method for preventing oxidation of molten aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy surfaces, the method comprising providing a molten aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy having a molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface; covering the molten aluminum or magnesium alloy surface with an initial layer of petroleum coke, the initial layer of petroleum coke having an initial layer thickness of about 0.75 inches; oxidizing a portion of the initial layer of petroleum coke to form a working layer of petroleum coke covering the molten metal surface, the working layer of coke having a working layer thickness of about 0.5 inches, and a layer of carbon dioxide immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the working layer of petroleum coke; and adding additional petroleum coke to the working layer of petroleum coke to maintain the working layer thickness at about 0.5 inches.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closable by a slider device, on a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with side panels to form the package. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package.

Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: A container has two tray sections that fold over each other along a living hinge. Each of the trays is defined by a recessed domes that is contained within the hinge and lip surfaces opposite and on either side of the hinge. A contoured flap containing a cavity extends from a forward edge of the front of one of the tray lips. A step is provided in the other tray's lip. When the container is closed, the flap may be folded over the step where a recess in the flap engages a detent in the step. A lip extends about the flap cavity and provides a continues tab around the step parts of which facilitate a consumer flipping the flap out of engagement with the step thereby facilitate opening of a closed container.

Abstract: A closure arrangement for a reclosable polymeric bag is disclosed, the closure arrangement comprising convex and concave areas that facilitate opening the bag. To initially open the bag, first and second films are separated from each other by tearing perforations. Next, interlocked closure profiles are detached from each other by grabbing onto gripper ridges and pulling the opening of the bag apart. If the first or second film becomes tucked into the groove left by the perforations such that the gripper ridges are difficult to access even after tearing the perforations, then the end of the opening may be flexed up or down, thereby causing separation of the convex area and concave area to provide access to the gripper ridges.

Abstract: A reclosable closure arrangement for use with packages, such as food and non-food packages, that includes a zipper closure having a slider device to open and close a pair of mating closure profiles. The slider device includes a protruding cleaning plow that is received within the pair of closure profiles prior to the closing profiles being brought into mating engagement. The cleaning plow removes debris from each of the closure profiles to allow for more reliable sealing of the zipper closure.

Abstract: A bussed electrical center for providing customizable current flow to electrical output components. An upper insulating layer has a first and second faces and exhibits a plurality of apertures through which are engaged male terminals pins, these further in operative communication with the electrical output components. A lower insulating layer has first and second faces exhibiting an apertured pattern according to a first specified configuration. A conductive grid overlays the first face of the lower insulating layer, an apertured pattern being defined in the grid according to a second specified configuration and further defined by interconnecting web portions, exposed by the apertured pattern in the lower insulating layer. Upon assembly of the insulating layers, with the grid stacked together, exposed web portions of the grid capable of being sectioned through the apertured pattern in the lower insulating layer and to establish a selected current flow direction across the grid.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the content of a digitized image file used in printing an interlaced image on a lenticular lens material to substantially eliminate ghosting effects which might otherwise occur when the printed image is viewed by an observer. A pixel address within the image file is selected, as is a preselected number of pixel addresses adjacent the selected address on both sides thereof. Percent color values contained at each of the addresses within the resulting range of addresses are added together and the result divided by the total number of addresses to compute an average color percent value. The percent color value at the selected address is compared with the computed average and is changed by a predetermined amount if the percent color value is greater or less than the computed average. The revised percent color value is then stored at the selected address. The process is repeated for each pixel address within the file.

Abstract: A method for section reducing an encasing tube to achieve excess length of fibers within the tube. At least one, and preferably two, platforms are arranged at a selected angular offset. Each platform includes a first plurality of rollers mounted in stationary, linear and spaced apart fashion. A second plurality of rollers are mounted in an adjustable, linear spaced apart and opposing fashion relative the associated first plurality of rollers. Upon the tube passing between the stationary and adjustable rollers associated with each platform, the rollers associated with each platform simultaneously contacting first and second cross sectional locations of the tube and in order to apply lateral compressing forces to the tube which decrease its gauge length, corresponding to increasing its gauge thickness.

Abstract: A three-layer microwaveable, plastic wrap having a core layer between a cling layer and a release layer is disclosed, along with a method for making the plastic wrap. The cling layer comprises a base resin and an effective amount of a tackifier to provide sufficient cling to different surfaces such as, for example, glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel laminated cardboard, and aluminum. The release layer includes an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent to facilitate dispensing of the wrap from a dispensing roll.

Abstract: A slider device having contoured top and sidewalls is disclosed for use with a resealable package. In a first embodiment, the slider device includes an engagement structure for engaging and interlocking first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The engagement structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion depending from the top wall of the slider device for engaging first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The first and second protrusions selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. In a second embodiment, a slider device is disclosed having first and second slide channels that engage first and second closure profiles. The first and second slide channels selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. Methods of assembling and operation are described.

Abstract: A terminal socket assembly for electrically connecting a male input blade with an output cable. The socket assembly includes a spring cage exhibiting a three dimensional rectangular and arcuate cross sectional shape having a plurality of angled and torsioned beams. A sleeve exhibits a similar rectangular configuration and receives the configured spring cage in axially inserting and interference fitting fashion and so that the assembled sleeve and spring cage is capable of biasingly receiving and engaging the male blade. Gripping portions are integrally secured to the rectangular sleeve and fixedly engage an extending end of a cable to electrically communicate the cable to the blade. A sealed connector housing encases the terminal socket assembly and extending connector cables and encloses the assembled spring cage and sleeve. Other elements of the housing including a seating terminal position assurance element, seals and retainer elements engageable with opposite open ends of the housing.

Abstract: The modular turret cage is used with a capping machine adapted to apply closures to containers, such as beverage, food, or water containers. The capping machine includes a stationary cap. The modular turret cage has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the turret cage is rotatably received in the stationary cap. The turret cage includes a top mounting plate at the top end of the turret cage and a base mounting plate at the bottom end of the turret cage. A plurality of panel sections extends between and connects the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate. The panel sections are fixedly connected to the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate and are separately removable from the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate.

Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a central interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of outer interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the central interstitial space. A central interstitial member is received in the central interstitial space tangent to the fiber optic conduits and an outer interstitial member is received in each outer interstitial space tangent to the pair of fiber optic conduits defining the outer interstitial space. The central interstitial member has a larger modulus of elasticity than each outer interstitial member.

Abstract: A terminal socket assembly including a T-shaped sealed connector for interconnecting electrically powered vehicular components with a male input pin and output cable. A spring cage is formed into a substantially helix “hourglass shape” configuration. A tubular sleeve receives the configured spring cage in axially inserting fashion and includes first and second extending bracket portions which are biased towards each other to create a compressing and interference fit with the inserted spring cage. The assembled sleeve and spring cage is receives and engaging and inserting portion of the male pin. Gripping portions extend from a selected bracket portion and fixedly engage an extending end of a cable to electrically communicate the two cables. A sealed connector housing forms a part of and encases the terminal socket assembly and extending connector cables and includes assembleable male and female housing portions and end seals.