Abstract: A tick removal medical tool has an arcuate scoop with a converging V-shaped groove that moves in under the rear of the tick. Upward and outward sloping edges of the groove gently lift a tick's abdomen, legs, thorax, head and mouthpieces in that order without squeezing or decapitating the tick. A compartment in a handle holds a removable live tick trap with a hinged front door. An arcuate edge of the door matches the arcuate scoop and sweeps the live tick into the trap. A thick concave urger at the door edge centers, lifts and sweeps the tick. A probe extending forward below the urger engages and lifts the tick as the probe is raised by the upward and outward sloping surfaces of the groove. The hollow handle holds supplies or receives an extended live trap with inward sloped exit preventors imprisoning multiple live ticks for analysis.

Abstract: A disc holder has a vacuum-formed thin tray secured to a paperboard base and cover. Ledges are formed at bottoms of paired opposite inner segmental walls. First paired opposite ledges are horizontal. Second paired opposite ledges slope upward toward the tray center. A first rosette is positioned on a tray base. A flap formed in the base is hinged along its end and extends toward the first rosette. A second rosette is positioned on the flap. Disc retainers extend inward from the segmental walls.

Abstract: Light transmission devices, such as lenses and windows for portable electronic devices, are produced using an injection/compression molding technique in which a light transmission device mold includes an integral runner in substantially the same plane and with substantially the same wall thickness as the light transmission device to be produced. The finished light transmission devices are mechanically separated from the molded product. Molding equipment and processes traditionally used to produce information discs can be leveraged to produce light transmission devices. Various processes can be performed to add metallization, coatings, and printing to the light transmission devices.

Abstract: Beverage and water bottles are recycled by flaking and melting, extruding thin RPET thermoplastic sheets thermoforming disc and product trays. The thermoformed trays have disc or product receiving wells surrounded by inner walls. Tray outer walls are surrounded by flanges to aid in separation of stacked trays before joining the trays and covers. Disc trays have resiliently deformable hubs with radially extending retaining bumps formed during or after thermoforming the trays. Product trays have similar product-retaining thermoformed bumps projected over product wells. Paperboard covers are printed outside and inside, clear coated, creased to form spines and adhered to trays with minimal, separable adhesive for recycling ease. Gutters are adhered to inner portions of spaced trays forming flexible hinges, films are attached to flanges at remote edges of tray and printed inserts are inserted between the films and trays when loading the trays and before closing the packages.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for attaching rigid holders together to form stacks of rigid holders. The present invention relates particularly to stacks of one or more rigid holders for containers holding compact discs and DVDs. The attachment system of the present invention allows for simple and efficient connection between individual rigid holders. Mechanical binding clips are inserted into cutouts on the spine region of rigid holders. The binding clips are flexed to fit within an opening and then un-flexed to lock the rigid holders and binding clips together. Male and female details allow for a secure hold. Extensions within the cutouts have barbs that fit over parts of the binding clips.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for labeling and displaying information on one or more data storage packages. The present invention relates particularly to providing covers with information on the outer surfaces of compact disc, DVD and other product containers. Labels may be attached to stacks of one or more rigid holders in order to display information on the cover, spine or base. Printed graphic cards may be inserted between the rigid plastic holders and covers of clear, flexible cover material. The clear cover material is formed into a clear pocket attached at the opening edge of the rigid cover and base. Alternatively, printed graphic cards are adhered to the outer rigid holders by placing adhesive on the cover and base holders but not on the spines. Also, a clear pocket may be attached to the spine of a stack of rigid holders with a printed graphic insert sliding into the pocket.

Abstract: A thin film data storage carrier (e.g., a flexible thin film compact disc) is described. The thin film data storage carrier (e.g., 111 of FIG. 8) has a cruciform aperture (114) therein, which is defined in part by two pairs of opposed arcuate sides (117, 117? and 120, 120?) and at least one tab (118 and 121). The tabs (118 and 121) each have a triangular shape. The thin film data storage carrier may be used as part of a digital data storage assembly (2) that includes a rigid support (29) having an aperture (30) therein. The assembly (2) further includes, a locking device (41) positioned at least partially around aperture (30) of rigid support (29). Locking device (41) includes at least one shelf (44, 47) extending out over a portion of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29). The shelf (e.g., 44) and a portion (e.g., 53) of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29) residing thereunder together define a tapered slot (e.g., 62), having an open end (59) and a closed end (56).

Abstract: Holographic lines are formed directly on products by holding a holographic plate and a block under a lip on a frame and mounting the frame for limited movement within a recess in a mold half. As a mold cavity is filled, the frame, block and plate and heating tubes connected to the block move in the recess. As the product sets, springs push the frame, block and plate toward the shrinking product controlling the fine holographic lines. Lateral frame recesses receive bolt ends to limit frame travel. Partially withdrawing bolts and removing the tubes releases the frame for withdrawing the block and replacing the holographic plate.

Abstract: A digital data storage assembly (2), e.g., a flexible thin film compact disc, is described. Digital data storage assembly (2) includes, (a) a thin film data storage carrier (11), having substantially opposed first (14) and second (17) surfaces, an aperture (20), and at least one tab (23, 26) extending partially into aperture (20). The assembly (2) also includes, (b) a rigid support (29) having substantially opposed first (32) and second (35) surfaces, and an aperture (38). The assembly (2) further includes, (c) a locking device (41) positioned at least partially around aperture (38) of rigid support (29). Locking device (41) includes at least one shelf (44, 47) extending out over a portion of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29). The shelf (e.g., 44) and a portion (e.g., 53) of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29) residing thereunder together define a tapered slot (e.g., 62), having an open end (59) and a closed end (56).

Abstract: A digital data storage assembly (2), e.g., a flexible thin film compact disc, is described. Digital data storage assembly (2) includes, (a) a thin film data storage carrier (11), having substantially opposed first (14) and second (17) surfaces, an aperture (20), and at least one tab (23, 26) extending partially into aperture (20). The assembly (2) also includes, (b) a rigid support (29) having substantially opposed first (32) and second (35) surfaces, and an aperture (38). The assembly (2) further includes, (c) a locking device (41) positioned at least partially around aperture (38) of rigid support (29). Locking device (41) includes at least one shelf (44, 47) extending out over a portion of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29). The shelf (e.g., 44) and a portion (e.g., 53) of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29) residing thereunder together define a tapered slot (e.g., 62), having an open end (59) and a closed end (56).

Abstract: A digital data storage assembly (2), e.g., a flexible thin film compact disc, is described. Digital data storage assembly (2) includes, (a) a thin film data storage carrier (11), having substantially opposed first (14) and second (17) surfaces, an aperture (20), and at least one tab (23, 26) extending partially into aperture (20). The assembly (2) also includes, (b) a rigid support (29) having substantially opposed first (32) and second (35) surfaces, and an aperture (38). The assembly (2) further includes, (c) a locking device (41) positioned at least partially around aperture (38) of rigid support (29). Locking device (41) includes at least one shelf (44, 47) extending out over a portion of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29). The shelf (e.g., 44) and a portion (e.g., 53) of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29) residing thereunder together define a tapered slot (e.g., 62), having an open end (59) and a closed end (56).

Abstract: Holographic lines are formed directly on products by holding a holographic plate and a block under a lip on a frame and mounting the frame for limited movement within a recess in a mold half. As a mold cavity is filled, the frame, block and plate and heating tubes connected to the block move in the recess. As the product sets, springs push the frame, block and plate toward the shrinking product controlling the fine holographic lines. Lateral frame recesses receive bolt ends to limit frame travel. Partially withdrawing bolts and removing the tubes releases the frame for withdrawing the block and replacing the holographic plate.

Abstract: A device for displaying multiple images in an animation-like manner is provided. The device includes an outer shell having a pair of opposed transparent lenticular surfaces and a pair of opposed side walls extending between opposed outer edges of the lenticular surfaces thereby forming a hollow rectangular cavity. The device also includes a generally rectangular slide insertable through an opening in the first end of the cavity. Interleaved images are positioned on the opposed faces of the slide. The device further includes a part for reciprocating the slide in the cavity thereby altering the appearance of the displayed image. The reciprocating part includes a detent slot formed in an interior region of each of the side walls of the outer shell and a corresponding pair of spring bar mounted detent tabs for engaging the detent slots. A spring bar is positioned generally parallel to the second end of the slide and dihedral spring leaves are positioned in a center of the spring bar.

Abstract: A display and viewing unit, for use with a printed insert card bearing at least one pair of interlaced images and having a reference edge, comprises a base bearing flexible fingers and a cover member having at least one transparent lenticulated section, a seating area for receiving the printed insert card, and an abutment against which the reference edge of the card can be placed. The base and the cover member pivot relative to one another between an open position and a closed position in which the flexible fingers lie adjacent the seating area, and in which the base and the cover member snap fit together to keep them in this closed position. Also, in this closed position, a slot is left between the base and the cover member so that the card can be inserted between them and viewed through the lenticulated section. The display permits cards to be readily inserted and removed.

Abstract: Image display easels are provided with mechanical and optical features that permit them to be used for advertising, marketing, and other such purposes. The easels display multi, 3D, and animated visual effects that can be easily changed as needed by the user while easily achieving the alignment needed for such effects.

Abstract: A unitary applicator formed in a single mold, which may be formed with the container, filled, sealed and ready for packaging and shipping at a lower cost. The applicator head may also be manufactured for later attachment to a container, such as by fusing, welding or bonding, or by preconstructed mechanical connectors. A mold with movable parts allows construction of the applicator with two shots of material. The first shot forms structural parts of the applicator and container, and a subsequent shot of softer material forms the applicator surfaces. In addition, non-slip surfaces may be formed by the second shot on parts of the container that is hand held during applications of the flowable material to skin or other substrates or surfaces. The use of non-open cell materials to form the contact surface improves hygiene by reducing contamination of the applicator. The reduction of dead space in the cap minimizes waste by allowing almost all of the contents to be dispensed.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information about the contents of the box when looking at one of its surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Compliant inserts preferably provide the information content of the various views and are adapted for use with industry automated insert machinery while being self aligning with the lenticulated panels.

Abstract: A stand adapter holds containers, such as bottles, in inverted positions for facilitating pouring of viscous contents. The stand adapter is a one-piece structure that includes a mounting plate having a central opening, side walls extending from the inner surface of the mounting plate and an open base defined by distal free edges of the side walls. The opening in the mounting plate has dimensions for receiving a bottle neck and for frictionally engaging surface features of the outer walls of the neck portion of the bottle. The side walls of the adapter have sufficient width and thickness so that the bottle is sturdily supported in an inverted position. Opposing side walls are spaced such that a person's fingers and thumb easily extend between the side walls for twisting, pulling or flipping open the bottle cap. The side walls may form a continuous ring or may have cutout regions for allowing lateral access to the bottle cap and for facilitating non-vertical pouring of the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information when looking at one of the box's surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Printed informational inserts are provided with interlaced images and reference surfaces for alignment purposes which is achieved either with control of fit or via resiliently flexible arrangements for urging the inserts into positions of proper alignment.

Abstract: A CD package has a plastic tray with a central recess for receiving an holding a compact disc. Downward extensions on sides of the tray have inward projecting rails. A paper board has two panels and an intermediate spine separated by creases. One of the panel forms a base for permanent attachment to the tray. The base has side edges with recesses which cooperate with the downward extensions. Distance between opposite inner edges of the recesses is the same as distance between opposite inner surfaces of the downward extensions. The paper board and tray are permanently assembled by curving the paper board, bringing the paper board and tray into contact with the recesses in edges of the board aligned with the downward extensions of the side walls of the tray. Releasing the curvature of the board pops the board into place with the recesses engaging the downward extensions. Edges of the base lie along edges of the tray. The spine covers the back of the tray, and the second panel covers the tray.