Abstract: An improved tray or other packaging article having means for securing a vertical support post is provided. The packaging article comprises hinged tab portions that capture the vertically oriented post and hold it in place for easier assembly of a larger packaging unit.

Abstract: A multilayer tubular structure for products with an identification device being embedded or interposed between two of the multiple layers of the tubular structure. The identification device is responsive to radio frequencies and is able to store and transmit information about the multilayer tubular structure, the products, and processes that have been performed on same. A method is provided for manufacturing a multilayer tubular structure by embedding a radio frequency identification device between two of the multiple layers.

Abstract: A box-like base assembly for a post-in-post system for packaging, shipping and displaying product containers. The post-in-post system comprises vertically spaced trays for holding the product containers, outer support posts located over openings in each tray such that their hollow interiors communicate with the tray openings, and inner guide posts inserted inside the outer support posts and through the tray openings to lock the trays together. The base assembly comprises an outer base box and a center base member that fits within the base box, the center base member having inwardly collapsed sections for holding the starter outer support posts in an upright position.

Abstract: A self-venting cartridge (10) for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) for holding the fluid and a plunger (18) for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body (12) is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area (34) that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger (18) comprises a slightly convex surface (36) and a sidewall (40) that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (40). The plunger sidewall (40) and raised area (34) define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger (18) is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge (10).

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying vertically stacked product containers. The system comprises a top cap, a plurality of corrugated trays with openings formed therein for receiving the bottoms of the product containers and restricting their movement, a bottom tray, a pallet, and vertical support posts that key inside the bottom tray and top cap and through the middle trays to help lock the system together. The entire assembly may be held together with banding and wrapped in a transparent plastic film to protect the product from dust and damage during shipment.

Abstract: A multilayer tubular structure for products with an identification device being embedded or interposed between two of the multiple layers of the tubular structure. The identification device is responsive to radio frequencies and is able to store and transmit information about the multilayer tubular structure, the products, and processes that have been performed on same. A method is provided for manufacturing a multilayer tubular structure by embedding a radio frequency identification device between two of the multiple layers.

Abstract: A multilayer tubular structure for products with an identification device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a resiliently flexible band is biased with respect to the tubular structure, and the identification device, such as a radio frequency identification device, is interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipart business form that includes at least one removable and potentially formable identification card, band, tag or badge on one portion of the substrate and at least one separable postcard on the second portion of the multipart business form. The postcard portion can be used as a response piece, request for information or simply as a remembrance piece for an event which triggered the issuance of the identification portion.

Abstract: A pressure-activated flexible valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material such as ink. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises a base portion having a valve seat and a cap having an annular rim that seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The cap has an annular flexible portion that changes shape in response to pressure from the container material, thereby opening and closing the valve. The valve may be locked closed, and the space between the valve rim and valve seat can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of fluids, including inks having different viscosities.

Abstract: A self-venting cartridge (10) for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) for holding the fluid and a plunger (18) for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body (12) is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area (34) that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger (18) comprises a slightly convex surface (36) and a sidewall (40) that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (40). The plunger sidewall (40) and raised area (34) define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger (18) is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge (10).

Abstract: A method for induction sealing a plastic part to a composite container using a pair of linear coils electrically connected to low frequency generators. The linear coils produce overlapping electromagnetic fields on either side of the container. Rotating the container assures even heating of the polyethylene liner and plastic part. The method produces a reliable seal between the liner and plastic part and can be used at high production speeds.

Abstract: A printing process is provided in which a conductive ink is printed over a printed pattern formed by a coating having an additive that lowers surface tension. Printed electrical elements and antennae (including RFID antennae) are formed using this process. The coating with the surface tension lowering additive is printed on a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A conductive ink is then applied over the coating and, because of the difference in surface tension between the coating and the substrate, the ink flows away from the coating. The conductive ink dries between the printed coating pattern and forms the conductive element.

Abstract: A shipping package for protecting a fragile item such as a sample vial comprises a crush-resistant inner container comprising a tube formed from spirally wound fibrous plies adhered together, and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The outer container comprises a semi-rigid can formed of fluid-impervious, flexible polymer and having a receptacle portion and a closure portion releasably fastenable to the receptacle portion so as to render the outer container substantially impervious to fluid outside the outer container. The inner container preferably has a liner of absorbent material. The outer container preferably is formed of polyethylene teraphthalate. The receptacle and closure portions of the outer container preferably are threaded so that the closure portion is screwed onto the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A method for induction sealing a plastic part to a composite container using a pair of linear coils electrically connected to low frequency generators. The linear coils produce overlapping electromagnetic fields on either side of the container. Rotating the container assures even heating of the polyethylene liner and plastic part. The method produces a reliable seal between the liner and plastic part and can be used at high production speeds.

Abstract: A printing process is provided in which a conductive ink is printed over a printed pattern formed by a coating having an additive that lowers surface tension. Printed electrical elements and antennae (including RFID antennae) are formed using this process. The coating with the surface tension lowering additive is printed on a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A conductive ink is then applied over the coating and, because of the difference in surface tension between the coating and the substrate, the ink flows away from the coating. The conductive ink dries between the printed coating pattern and forms the conductive element.

Abstract: A shipping package for protecting a fragile item such as a sample vial comprises a crush-resistant inner container comprising a tube formed from spirally wound fibrous plies adhered together, and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The outer container comprises a semi-rigid can formed of fluid-impervious, flexible polymer and having a receptacle portion and a closure portion releasably fastenable to the receptacle portion so as to render the outer container substantially impervious to fluid outside the outer container. The inner container preferably has a liner of absorbent material. The outer container preferably is formed of polyethylene teraphthalate. The receptacle and closure portions of the outer container preferably are threaded so that the closure portion is screwed onto the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing and the resulting cylindrical composite container having a recessed spiral groove therein includes generally the following. A mandrel is provided having at least one recessed spiral groove cut into its surface and positioned at a predetermined angle to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Desired material layers for constructing the composite container are fed onto the mandrel and are spirally-wound at a winding angle corresponding to the predetermined angle of the spiral groove in the mandrel to form a continuous tube on the mandrel. Pressure is applied at the mandrel spiral groove to the continuous tube as it is being formed to force the material layers into the spiral groove for deforming the material layers to form a spiral groove in the continuous tube. This continuous tube with a spiral groove therein is cut into individual continuous lengths and removed from the mandrel for forming the composite container.

Abstract: An elevator system, and methods of providing certain functions thereof, wherein an up/down counter provides a count which is used to provide a landing and leveling speed pattern for the elevator car. The counter is preset to a predetermined count prior to entering the landing zone of a target floor, and distance pulses, generated in response to car movement in the landing zone decrement the count when the car moves toward the target floor, and in the event the car overshoots the floor, the distance pulses increment the count while the car is moving away from the floor in the landing zone.

Abstract: An elevator system which initiates terminal slowdown in response to a comparison between a terminal slowdown speed pattern signal and the normal or desired speed pattern signal. The terminal slowdown speed pattern signal is generated in response to the actual position of the elevator car in a terminal zone adjacent to each terminal floor.

Abstract: An elevator system including terminal slowdown control which includes a source which provides a beam of electromagnetic radiation, a receiver of such radiation, and spaced markers disposed in a terminal zone which interrupts the beam of electromagnetic radiation as the elevator car approaches a terminal floor. A monitor circuit monitors the receiver to insure that the beam is continuously received when the elevator car is outside of the terminal zone, and to insure that the receiver detects the spaced markers as the elevator car approaches a terminal floor in the terminal zone. The monitor circuit initiates a procedure which takes the elevator car out of service in the event a malfunction in the terminal slowdown control is detected.