Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved collapsible bag having a spout and one or more grooves on the interior surface of a wall of the bag. The grooves, which are integral to a wall of the bag rather than on a separate evacuation strip, are in liquid communication with the spout and are sized such that the opposing wall of the bag is not completely forced into the grooves under the suction of conventional pumps which are used to withdraw the liquid from the bag. Thus, the grooves enable substantially complete withdrawal of the liquid from the bag without the use of an evacuation strip. Additionally, the present invention may be used in any orientation and does not require a slanted rack. Although the primary intended application of the present invention is in bag-in-box packages for containing and dispensing beverages, this invention may also be used to advantage in other liquid dispensing applications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved bag-in-box apparatus for containing and dispensing liquids such as beverages. The interior surface of the bottom of the box (20) is preferably sloped downward toward the spout (12) of the bag (10) such that gravity helps feed the liquid toward the spout (12). In lieu of or in conjunction with slopes, the interior bottom surface of the box (120, 130, 150, 140, 160) may have terraces (34), curves (132, 134), corrugations (152), fan-like ridges (142), or beams (162). The present invention thereby reduces the amount of residual liquid as the liquid is withdrawn from the bag (10) without the need for an evacuation strip or a special slanted rack. Although the primary intended application of the present invention is in bag-in-box packages for containing and dispensing beverages, this invention may also be used to advantage in other liquid dispensing applications.

Abstract: A paint repair process is provided for repairing scratches (12) and chips (22) in automotive paint (14). A paint mixture (26) is applied to the surface (24) of the automotive paint (14) and worked into the scratches (12) and the chips (22) by applying a minimum pressure of approximately one and one-quarter pounds per square inch directly to the paint mixture (26). After an initial drying of the paint mixture (26), the paint mixture (26) is polished and heated by applying a polishing mixture (28) to the surface of the paint mixture (26), and then pressing a natural wool fiber polishing pad against the surface of the paint mixture (26) with a minimum pressure of two pounds per square inch and moving the polishing pad relative to the outer surface of the paint mixture (26) at speeds in a rage of approximately 800 to 1050 feet per minute.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fish bait on a fish hook. The apparatus has a first mold unit with a first cavity and is connected to a channel in communication with a bore. The first mold unit has an access port in the vicinity of the first cavity formed through a sidewall of the first mold unit through which the fish hook may be inserted and removed, and the first mold unit has a threaded end. A second mold unit is removably engaged to the first mold unit, the second mold unit has a second cavity defined therein. The second mold unit has a means for closing and locking the first mold unit and the second mold unit with the first and second cavity is attached together to form a fish bait mold cavity therein when in a closed position. A bait canister is adapted to fit within the bore in the first mold unit. The bait canister has an aperture formed therein at a bottom wall thereof and is aligned with the channel.

Abstract: Quick boiling or instant cooking noodles such as udon, soba and hiyamugi or pastas such as spaghetti or macaroni can be produced by a process which includes the steps of heating dry noodles or pastas with either wet or dry heat for a short time to modify only the surface layer portion of the noodles or pastas, removing the surface moisture if the heating is done by wet heat, subsequently contacting the noodle or pasta strings with water to have it absorbed, and reheating the noodles or pastas if the final product is of an instant cooking type. The noodles or pastas thus produced can be prepared by merely boiling them for a short time or by simply pouring in hot water and letting stand for a short time or by just cooking them in a microwave oven; the thus prepared noodles or pastas have the same texture as is obtained by fully boiling dry or raw noodles or pastas.

Abstract: Dry pastas or noodles are heated with either wet or dry heat to convert their surface layer portion to the .alpha.-starch form and, if the heating is done by wet heat, the moisture in the surface of the pasta or noodle strings is removed and, thereafter, the pasta or noodle strings are put into a sealable container, which is then injected with a specified amount of water and sealed, followed by reheating of the pasta or noodle strings. Pastas such as spaghetti and macaroni or noodles such as udon, soba, hiyamugi, kishimen and Chinese noodles can be cooked by just boiling them or a short time or heating them in a microwave oven and yet they develop the same texture as can be attained by fully boiling dry or raw pastas or noodles.

Abstract: Dry pastas or noodles are heated with wet heat for a short time so that only their surface layer portion is converted to the .alpha.-starch; the pastas or noodles are then cooled, dried to remove the surface moisture, immersed in water to have it absorbed and subsequently cooled for a short time. Alternatively, the pastas or noodles that have been dried on the surface are put into a sealable container such as a plastic bag together with a specified amount of water and, thereafter, the container is sealed and the absorption of water is completed during storage or transport of the pastas or noodles. Pastas such as spaghetti and macaroni or noodles such as udon, soba and Chinese noodles can be cooked by boiling for a very short time and yet they develop same texture as can be attained by fully boiling dry or raw pastas or noodles.

Abstract: A plastic beverage container attachment of the present invention having a curved or beveled section is releasably attachable at its base to the top of a metal or aluminum beverage can, or to the top of a plastic or Styrofoam drink cup or container. The interior of the beveled portion of the attachment comprises an internal concave portion or reservoir, and curved funneled surfaces, that hold and regulate the volume and rate of flow of the beverage and thus inhibit its sudden rush from the container to the drinker's mouth, thus permitting the consumer to enjoy a more gentle beverage flow. An edge is molded around the interior of the base of the container to enable the attachment to firmly snap on and off the top of the container or can. A series of posts or projections are placed around the interior of the base, just above the edge, so as to aid in the support of the attachment on the can or container.

Abstract: An automatic package wrapping machine wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is automatically advanced to a ready-to-wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Paper is withdrawn from a roll supply and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends are then automatically processed by folding and sealing of flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

Abstract: An automatic package wrapping machine wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is automatically advanced to a ready-to-wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Paper is withdrawn from a roll supply and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends are then automatically processed by folding and sealing of flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

Abstract: A system for exercising a user's midsection muscles. The system includes a spotting fixture having a base, side frame members and a central vertical member arranged in a tripod configuration. C-shape arms are supported atop the side frame members and central vertical member. The C-shape arms partially wrap around the user who stands on the base. At each end of the C-shape arms are swivel mounted mechanical hands that engage the hip or waist area of the user, thus holding the user's lower body immobile during the exercise routine. The mechanical hands adjust laterally into and out of slots formed in the C-shape arms as well as adjust vertically with telescoping lateral frame members. Free weights such as a twisting baton can be held by the user to increase the exertion level during the exercise regime. A receptacle located in the base allows storage of the free weight or twisting baton.

Abstract: A suspended display holder is provided for securing a display to a base with magnetic attraction. The holder includes an elongate support unit which subtends the base, a magnet unit provided on the support unit and in selective magnetic engagement with the base, and a removable hanger assembly mounted on the support unit and supportingly engaging a display.