Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing treats is presented. A vending machine for building custom ordered treats includes an enclosed housing with windows. A robot is inside the housing and first and second user interfaces are attached to the housing. The first and second user interfaces accept inputs from first and second users respectively. The robot has left and right arms as well as a simulated head to make it appear somewhat human like. The left and right arms work together to assemble a single treat when only one treat has been requested at the vending machine. However, when two different treats have been requested the left arm can work independently, at least sometimes, of the right arm on a custom treat for the first user. Similarly, the right arm can, at least sometimes, work independently of the left arm on a custom treat for the second user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming a layered structure of metal sheet and polyester by heating the metal sheet, extrusion coating a thin layer of polyester on at least one side of the metal sheet, passing the coated sheet through nip rolls and optionally quenching the coated sheet to ensure the polyester coating(s) is in an amorphous state.

Abstract: Disclosed are poly(ethylene-co-diethylene terephthalate) polyesters useful for making thin films. The polyesters have a diethylene glycol repeat unit component of about 10-30 mol %. These polymers can be converted into thin films and are useful as protective barrier films, especially in packaging applications. These copolyesters can be used to make biaxially oriented films for metal lamination.

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: This invention relates to naphthalenedicarboxylic acid containing polymer compositions having reduced fluorescence. More specifically, the polymers contain at least 0.1 mole percent of a dicarboxylic acid selected from 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate ester, with 0.1 to 5 mole percent of a copolymerizable halogen containing aromatic compound. These polymers are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal are of concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to naphthalenedicarboxylic acid containing polymer compositions having reduced fluorescence. More specifically, the polymers contain at least 0.1 mole percent of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate ester, with 0.1 to 5 mole percent of a copolymerizable aromatic ketone. These polymers are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal are of concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to naphthalenedicarboxylic acid containing polymer compositions having reduced fluorescence. More specifically, the process involves melt blending a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid containing polymer with 0.1 to 5 weight percent of a fluorescence quenching compound selected from a halogen containing aromatic compound, an aromatic ketone or a naphthol compound and thermoforming the blend into an article. The blends are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal are of concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) composition having reduced fluorescence. More specifically, the composition contains poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) with 0.1 to 5 mole percent of a copolymerizable halogen containing aromatic compound. The polyesters are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal are of concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) blends having reduced fluorescence. More specifically, the process involves melt blending poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) with 0.1 to 5 weight percent of a fluorescence quenching compound selected from a halogen containing aromatic compound, an aromatic ketone or a naphthol compound and thermoforming the blend into an article. The blends are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal are of concern.

Abstract: This invention relates to naphthalene dicarboxylic acids or naphthalene dicarboxylic esters substituted with aroyl groups. More particularly, this invention relates to the following compounds: dialkyl 1-benzoyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate, 7-C1-C.sub.8 -alkoxycarbonyl-1-C1-Cs-alkoxy-l-aryl(1,3-H.sub.2 naphtho {1,2-c} furan-3-ones), and dialkyl 1-(2-naphthoyl)-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate. The compounds are useful in any polymer composition where dicarboxylic acids or dicarboxylic esters are used especially in poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) compositions where reduced fluorescence is desired.