Abstract: A molded fiber part former includes a first forming mold defining a first mold area and at least one fluid inlet. The molded fiber part former also includes a wall substantially surrounding the first mold area. The molded fiber part former includes a fluid channel disposed adjacent to and surrounding the wall, wherein the channel is fluidically connected to the at least one fluid inlet and defines a fluid channel outlet.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for creating porous molds using additive manufacturing processes such as three-dimensional (3D) printing. At a high level, it has been found that creating a generally porous mold, or a mold with porous regions or zones, can improve the performance of the mold and the quality of the parts created therefrom. It has further been determined that porous molds can be created using additive manufacturing techniques through manipulation of mold manufacturing parameters such as, but not limited to, layer thickness, number of perimeter layers, fill pattern, and fill density. Through variation of these manufacturing parameters, the porosity of a mold created by an additive manufacturing device, e.g., a 3D printer, can be tailored for use with molded fiber.

Abstract: A molded fiber part former includes a first forming mold defining a first mold area and at least one fluid inlet. The molded fiber part former also includes a wall substantially surrounding the first mold area. The molded fiber part former includes a fluid channel disposed adjacent to and surrounding the wall, wherein the channel is fluidically connected to the at least one fluid inlet and defines a fluid channel outlet.

Abstract: A container includes a molded tray and a molded lid, both made of unitary fiber bodies. The tray includes at least one internal well and a perimeter engaging wall extending upward from a perimeter rim. The perimeter engaging wall includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an uppermost surface. The lid includes a ceiling and defines a perimeter engaging receiver extending upward from a perimeter rim. The rim is defined by an inner wall, an outer wall, and an uppermost wall. The perimeter engaging wall is configured to be removably received in the perimeter engaging receiver.

Abstract: A molded fiber part production line includes a forming station, a part transfer system, a press station, and a removal system. The forming station includes a slurry tank, a forming mold, and a mold actuation system. The part transfer system includes a part transfer feature and a conveyance mechanism. The press station includes a core mold, a cavity mold compatible with the core mold, and a press actuation system. The removal system includes a removal feature defining a plurality of part vacuum channels and a plurality of trim vacuum channels. The removal system also includes a conveyance mechanism for moving the removal feature from a position in engagement with at least one of the core mold and the cavity mold to another position.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for context sensitive display of final delivery information on a consumable delivery vehicle with enroute preparation. A controller may manage fulfillment of orders while the vehicle is enroute by controlling an operation of one or more on-board preparation equipment. The controller may also receive order status information and travel information associated with final delivery destinations. Once the vehicle is at its destination to be used as a hub for final deliveries, one or more displays on the vehicle may display final delivery information to final delivery people based on the status information and the travel information.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for en route food product preparation. Food product preparation process steps and timing may be determined based on travel information (e.g., starting point, intermediate waypoints, delivery destination, routes, etc.), as well as, food item and food product information. Instructions for robotic devices arranged modularly in a container or truck to execute steps of the food product preparation process and their timing may be transmitted to a controller managing the operations of the robotic devices. Instructions may be updated en route based on changing travel or other conditions.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for delivery vehicles and containers for en route food product preparation. Modular food product preparation systems that may receive food items and supplies and prepare food product(s) en route such that the food product(s) is prepared by the time the system reaches a delivery destination may include trucks, railway cars, watercraft, and similar vehicles. Food preparation process steps and timing may be determined based on travel information (e.g., delivery destination, routes, etc.), as well as, food item and food product information. An on-board controller may determine the process steps and timing(s) and control operations of robotic devices arranged modularly in a container or vehicle to execute steps of the food preparation process. Alternatively or additionally, the on-board controller may receive instructions from a remote controller. Travel parameters of the vehicle may also be adjusted based on the food preparation process and/or travel information.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for in-vehicle appliance attachment systems. A re-configurable anchor system may include low profile support extrusions vertically attached to interior vehicle walls and horizontal rails with screw, track, and/or channel based securing mechanisms attached to the support extrusions. Configurable mounting connectors comprising a mounting block and a right-angle connection plate, held together by a security pin, may be attached to the horizontal rails and side or back of appliances. Depending on the configuration, the configurable mounting connectors may allow appliances to be arranged with minimal spacing between each other or between the appliances and the wall. The configurable mounting connectors may also be fitted with dampeners to reduce transmission of vehicle vibration to the appliances.

Abstract: A container includes a molded fiber tray at least partially defining a tray internal volume. The tray includes a perimeter wall extending upward from a bottom tray surface, a rest extending outward from the perimeter wall, a parapet extending upward from the rest, and a tray build-up projecting inward from the parapet. The tray build-up and the rest at least partially define a gap therebetween. The container includes a molded fiber lid at least partially defining a lid internal volume. The lid includes a perimeter wall extending downward from a lid upper surface, and a ridge extending downward from the perimeter wall. The ridge includes an outer ridge wall, a lateral surface extending inward from the outer ridge wall, and a lid build-up projecting outward from the outer ridge wall. The lid build-up is configured to be received in the gap when the container is in a closed condition.

Abstract: Vehicles, components, and methods present information based on context, for example presenting a first list or menu of items (e.g., food) or first set of signage or color scheme when in a first location or during a first period, and presenting a second list or menu of items (e.g., food) or second set of signage or color scheme when in a second location or during a second period. For instance, a first menu of items (e.g., relatively more expensive entrees, beverages) may be displayed via one or more displays or screens at a first location during a first period, and a second menu of items (e.g., relatively less expensive entrees, beverages) may be displayed at a second location during a second period. Context (e.g., present location, destination, date, day, period of time, event, size of crowd, movement of crowd, weather) may be manually provided, or autonomously discerned, and presentation automatically.