Abstract: A sachet for insertion into a beverage container prior to the sealing and pressurization of the beverage container. The sachet is made from a gas permeable and substantially liquid impermeable material. The article is positioned within this material and sealed with substantially no excess gas contained therein. The sachet sinks when dropped into the beverage container and subsequently floats after the container is sealed and pressurized as gas from within the container penetrates into the sachet until equilibrium is reached. The sachet then rises within the beverage container when the container is opened.

Abstract: A system and method for sterile packaging of beverages in plastic containers forms the plastic containers and fills them with sterile beverages in a common sterile environment. The containers are formed from a blow molding process in which the containers reach elevated temperatures sufficient to at least in-part sterilize the interior of the containers, are filled with sterile beverages immediately after the containers are formed in the same sterile environment. This eliminates the need for heavy use of sterilizing fluids for the plastic containers such as hydrogen peroxide or the like.

Abstract: A vending machine operating system architecture connects vending machine peripherals of different communication standards to a main vending machine controller. One way to connect the two disparate buses is to use a UART device for each. An even more cost effective approach is to use a communications coprocessor (which is at least equivalent to a UART device) to which each of the two disparate buses is selectively connected by a multiplexer under the control of the main vending machine controller.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided for packaging a plurality of articles into a unitary package. This vending machine includes a packaging area and a packer. The packer affixes a carrier to the discrete articles in the packaging area to form the package. The formed package is then discharged from the vending machine. The present vending machine therefore provides for forming a plurality of articles into a package within a single vending machine. A consumer can select what articles, such as different brands of beverage containers, which are combined to form the package. Also, the number of articles for each package can be selected by the consumer.

Abstract: Bitumen emulsion including bituminous phase having one of pure bitumen, fluxed bitumen, and modified bitumen. The bitumen emulsion also includes an aqueous phase including water and an emulsifying agent. The bitumen emulsion further includes a breaking agent encapsulated in capsules allowing control of breaking of the bitumen emulsion, the control involving rupture of the capsules from a mechanical effect by a mechanical action produced on the bitumen emulsion. Processes of producing a bitumen emulsion. Processes of controlling breaking of a bituminous emulsion.

Abstract: A collapsible container comprising a flexible bag including a spout having an opening through which liquid is fed into and dispensed from the bag, and a liquid passage member inside of the bag in liquid communication with the spout opening for aiding in the dispensing of liquid from the bag. The liquid passage member is preferably integral with a wall of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing contaminants, which comprises removing contaminants from a contaminant-containing polyester material at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. in the presence of an equilibrium amount of a polyester reversible side-product.

Abstract: To securely take out only a commodity at an end of a commodity string stored in a commodity route, a commodity takeout unit of an automatic vending machine is provided with a pair of arms movable between the work position protruding into the commodity route and the retreat position retreating from the commodity route and a driving member for driving the arms with a time difference.

Abstract: A flexible pouch is formed from a first and second sheet which are in sealing engaged along their side edges. Two gussets are provided at the top and bottom, respectively, of the sheets. The bottom of the uppermost gusset is recessed such that a pocket is formed at one end of the pouch. A compartment is formed within the pouch by the two sheets and the two gussets. A straw or other suitable instrument can be used to puncture the uppermost gusset in order to remove the contents from the compartment of the pouch. This pocket has a wide mouth and will enable easy insertion of the straw while minimizing or eliminating product spillage.

Abstract: A system and method for sterile packaging of beverages in plastic containers forms the plastic containers and fills them with sterile beverages in a common sterile environment. The containers are formed from a blow molding process in which the containers reach elevated temperatures sufficient to at least inpart sterilize the interior of the containers, are filled with sterile beverages immediately after the containers are formed in the same sterile environment. This eliminates the need for heavy use of sterilizing fluids for the plastic containers such as hydrogen peroxide or the like.

Abstract: A flexible pouch includes a flexible compartment with a bottom. A rim is formed around the bottom of the compartment and is spaced from and extends outwardly from this compartment bottom. At least three coplanar feet are provided on the rim for stabilizing the pouch when the pouch is resting on the rim. These coplanar feet can be generally flush with the rim when the pouch is in a flat, empty position. However, when the compartment of the pouch is filled, the coplanar feet will be formed as the lowermost portions of the rim. The pouch will rest on these coplanar feet when on a support to be stably held in position. This pouch design will avoid wobbling or tipping over of the pouch and therefore minimize or eliminate product spillage. Also, a method for making this pouch includes the steps of forming the pouch with the compartment, providing a rim around the bottom of the compartment, and spacing the rim from the bottom of the compartment.

Abstract: A cooler has a housing with a plurality of rotatable shelves. The shelves can move from an interior portion of the housing to an exposed exterior portion adjacent a discharge port of the cooler. The cooler is doorless so that access and viewing of the products in the port are unobstructed. An interior storage area is provided in the cooler for replenishment of removed products. An escapement mechanism can automatically load products from the storage area to empty slots on the periphery of the rotating shelf. Efficient cooling of the products is obtained. The shelves of the cooler can be rotated at the same or different speeds and/or directions. This merchandising cooler will not blend in with its surrounding environment to thereby attract a consumer's attention.

Abstract: A beverage can for housing liquid products and a prize therein includes a prize dispensing assembly which cannot be easily detected without opening the beverage can. The prize dispensing assembly includes a holder which is frictionally held inside a guide. The holder is held in a position such that it is displaced from an underside of an openable tab on a lid of the beverage can. By this arrangement, a consumer may not detect the presence of the holder inside the beverage can by tapping on the openable tab, or attempting to rattle the holder against the openable tab. The holder also includes a spring loaded cap for contacting the underside of the openable tab, in case the holder becomes dislocated and abuts against the openable tab. The spring loaded cap dampens the impact of the holder against the openable tab and thus reduces the possibility that the prize dispensing assembly will be discovered prior to opening the beverage can.