Abstract: A vacuum insulated container is constituted by a double-walled receptacle wherein the space between the walls is substantially evacuated to provide vacuum insulation. The outer wall is provided with an opening therein which is used during manufacture to provide access to the space between the walls so that the space may be evacuated. A stopper- or plug-like portion fills the opening after the container has been evacuated and is permanently joined or bonded to the surfaces of the opening thereby providing a sealing to maintain the vacuum in the space between the walls.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated container is constituted by a double-walled receptacle wherein the space between the walls is substantially evacuated to provide vacuum insulation. The outer wall is provided with an opening therein which is used during manufacture to provide access to the space between the walls so that the space may be evacuated. A stopper- or plug-like portion fills the opening after the container has been evacuated and is permanently joined or bonded to the surfaces of the opening thereby providing a sealing to maintain the vacuum in the space between the walls.

Abstract: A vacuum bottle construction as disclosed in which the vacuum filter is formed from a pair of concentric thin wall metal cylinders. The cylinders are formed of a thin metallic material, such as mild steel, which in and of itself is so thin as to be unable to withstand the pressure differential of atmospheric pressure on one side and a substantial vacuum on the other side. To prevent collapse of the outer thin wall cylinder due to this pressure differential means are provided in the space between the cylinders bearing against the outer wall to provide a force opposing that of the pressure differential.

Abstract: Vacuum insulated containers are disclosed in which the usual metallic coating applied to the vacuum filler is omitted. In its place an electrically nonconducting, nonadsorbent granular material, such as finely divided silica, is employed in the annular, evacuated space to reduce infrared radiation loss. The construction is safe for use in microwave ovens and has a relatively high insulating efficiency as compared with vacuum fillers without infra barriers and nonvacuum insulated containers.

Abstract: Modular units for packaging articles to be sold in stores, used to display the articles for sale and which may then be used for storage and easy accessibility in use of the articles by purchasers. The modules are formed of two relatively thin plastic pieces. The pieces are joined together to form a hollow structure with an upper article supporting surface. One or more article holding elements such as recesses or depressions are provided in the upper surface while means are provided on the back of the modular unit whereby it can be mounted on a vertical surface when the articles are displayed for sale, and while being stored for a purchaser and awaiting usage. A protective cover can be provided to permit safe transport of the articles and/or for protection while being displayed and/or stored.

Abstract: A vacuum bottle construction is disclosed in which the vacuum filler is formed from a pair of concentric thin wall metal cylinders. The cylinders are formed of a thin metallic material, such as mild steel, which is unable to withstand the pressure differential of atmospheric pressure on one side and a vacuum on the other side. To prevent collapse of the filler a rigid jacket is provided over the outer wall in intimate contact therewith to prevent collapse.

Abstract: Modular units for mounting on vertical surfaces such as walls are provided which are mounted by engaging a tongue in the upwardly opening channel of the elongated bar, which bar extends into a recess provided in the units.

Abstract: A food service system for institutional or other use is provided by a stack of insulated trays and a cart. In one embodiment the cart includes a heating and/or cooling source with an outlet and a return. The trays are provided with openings to permit the passage of heated or cooled air from the outlet through the stack to the return. In another embodiment the trays and cart are combined with a refrigeration unit and a heating unit to permit simultaneous heating and cooling of food portions held in the trays.

Abstract: A vacuum bottle includes a pump dispenser for dispensing liquids from the temperature insulating interior without the need for removing the top or pouring. The pump dispenser employs a manually operated disk to pump air from a diaphragm into the bottle interior where it forces the liquid contents up a fluid tube and out a dispensing spout. A plurality of spaced ribs improve the operation of the dispenser mechanism by preventing twisting of the disk during pumping.

Abstract: A food service system for institutional or other use is provided by a stack of insulated trays and a cart. In one embodiment the cart includes a heating and/or cooling source with an outlet and a return. The trays are provided with openings to permit the passage of heated or cooled air from the outlet through the stack to the return. In another embodiment the trays and cart are combined with a refrigeration unit and a heating unit to permit simultaneous heating and cooling of food portions held in the trays.

Abstract: An emergency mantle lamp is disclosed for use with a gas stove. The mantle lamp is adapted to be placed over a gas burner on a stove top. When the gas is turned on a perforated conical base conducts the flame upwardly to a formed mantle surrounded by a glass chimney. The mantle heated by the flame emits a fairly bright light for illuminating a room.

Abstract: Equipment for playing a board game is disclosed. The equipment includes a modified checkerboard having a plurality of apertures therein, two sets of courier pegs adapted to move on the checkerboard and fit into the apertures, and a pair of key markers dimensioned to fit over the courier pegs. Each player has a key marker and the object of the game is to get the key marker from one side of the checkerboard to the other by moving from courier peg to courier peg.