Abstract: A pour and carry device for use in conjunction with relatively large consumer beverage containers. In one embodiment, the device is integral to the container, in another embodiment, the device is separate. One embodiment includes a finger tunnel. In one embodiment, the tonguelike member extends outwardly relative to the bottle neck and downwardly towards the bottle body so as to provide a crotch therebetween to accept the web portion intermediate a human's thumb and forefinger, to allow the human to grip, lift, and pour the bottle by placing the palm on the bottle below but proximate the neck, such that the web portion fits within the crotch, and the thumb and forefinger combine to at least partially surround the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: An intelligent fountain dispenser performs automated control and systems diagnostics in real time. The intelligent fountain dispenser includes a controller in electrical communication with a syrup valve, a water valve, a carbonator valve, a water level sensor, a flowmeter, and an input panel. The intelligent fountain dispenser also includes a dispenser housing and a carbonator tank. Water and carbon dioxide mix in the carbonator tank to produce carbonated water. The carbonator valve supplies water to the carbonator tank in accordance with instructions received from the controller. The controller also instructs the syrup valve and the water valve in the supply of syrup and carbonated water, respectively, to the dispenser housing. The controller provides the instructions to the valves based on information received from the water level sensor, flowmeter, and input panel. The controller performs systems diagnostics by monitoring the voltage drop across current-sensing resistors associated with each of the valves.

Abstract: A cooler with an insulated shell and a product loading system. The insulated shell has an access portion and a loading portion. The product loading system has a gravity-feed loading element and a dispensing cup.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel apparatus for use as beverage container vending machines, beverage dispensers, transportable beverage container dispensers and glass door merchandizers, all cooled by Stirling coolers. The apparatus includes an insulated enclosure and a Stirling cooler having a cold portion. A plate or coil made from a heat-conducting material disposed within the insulated enclosure is connected in heat exchange relationship with the cold portion of the Stirling cooler. Heat transfer fluids, heat pipes and direct contact are different methods used to transfer heat from the plate to the cold portion of the Stirling cooler. The cooled plate or coil is used to cool a container or a fluid that is, in turn, used to cool either a container or a fluid. Methods of chilling containers and fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel apparatus for use as beverage container vending machines, beverage dispensers, transportable beverage container dispensers and glass door merchandisers, all cooled by Stirling coolers. The apparatus includes an insulated enclosure and a Stirling cooler having a cold portion. A plate or coil made from a heat-conducting material disposed within the insulated enclosure is connected in heat exchange relationship with the cold portion of the Stirling cooler. Heat transfer fluids, heat pipes and direct contact are different methods used to transfer heat from the plate to the cold portion of the Stirling cooler. The cooled plate or coil is used to cool a container or a fluid that is, in turn, used to cool either a container or a fluid. Methods of chilling containers and fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking the movement of a plurality of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with a plurality of products positioned thereon. The shelf has a first end with an optical sensor positioned thereabout. A controller is functionally connected to the optical sensor so as to track the removal of one of the products from the first end of the shelf and to track the insertion of one of the products into the first end of the shelf.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drying time accelerator for a water-based paint comprising mineral particles, a polymer binder with water-based dispersion and an emulsion polymerization agent, as well as the corresponding paint. The accelerator has a polymeric structure, is water-soluble, comprises cationic charges, and is selected from metallic polychlorides, metallic polyoxychlorides, or synthesis polyacrylamide polymer. The invention also relates to a method for applying a water-based paint according to the invention onto a support, according to which the paint is sprayed onto the support, light-reflecting balls are distributed in the paint, and a drying time accelerator is incorporated into the paint, preferably after distribution of the balls. The application of the invention is to road markings.

Abstract: A shopping basket has four walls, a bottom and handles for allowing the basket to be carried, and one wall of the basket is provided with a section that projects either outwardly from or inwardly into the shopping basket and is adapted to serve as a receptacle for a bottle or can. This projecting section is integrally formed with the shopping basket wall, is cylindrically shaped with a radius slightly larger than that of a typical can or bottle and has a flat bottom retaining wall so that it is suited to hold securely an open, fluid-filled can or bottle without spilling its contents. Thus, a shopper using the shopping basket will easily be able to drink from a can or bottle and then place it within the receptacle formed from the shopping basket wall, removing it and replacing it as desired, so that the shopper can conveniently and selectively shop and drink from the can or bottle as desired.

Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: A method for increasing the crystallization rate of a crystallization polyester comprises incorporating into the polyester an effective amount of a hyperfunctional nucleation agent. The hyperfunctional nucleating agent comprises a plurality of functional groups and form stable nuclei around which the polyester crystallizes. The hyperfunctional nucleating agent facilitates faster crystallization and formation of many small crystallites. Methods of making articles such as containers with polyesters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular water treatment apparatus is provided for soft drink postmix dispensers. The apparatus includes a basic filter unit and additional modules selected from booster pump, UV treatment, and ion exchange modules as needed to match situs water problems determined water testing. A control module has microcontroller based circuitry which provides apparatus monitoring and control. Disabling and warning alarms are generated for predetermined apparatus conditions on a priority basis. A hand-held controller can be coupled to the control module to provide an operator interface for entry and readout of data on the basis of key entries.

Abstract: A cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism. The oscillating drive mechanism is connected to the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner.