Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and a unitary compliant sealing valve movable between a sealed position and an open position and configured to form a sealing interface with the cap when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position. One or more seal-breaking structures may be provided to interact in response to a movement of the unitary compliant sealing valve from the sealed position to the open position, where such interaction is configured to break the sealing interface. A compression spring section of the valve may be provided to assist in moving the unitary compliant sealing valve into the open position.

Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and a unitary compliant sealing valve movable between a sealed position and an open position and configured to form a sealing interface with the cap when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position. One or more seal-breaking structures may be provided to interact in response to a movement of the unitary compliant sealing valve from the sealed position to the open position, where such interaction is configured to break the sealing interface. A compression spring section of the valve may be provided to assist in moving the unitary compliant sealing valve into the open position.

Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and including a sealing rib and a unitary compliant sealing valve having a continuous shape and movable between a sealed position and an open position. The unitary compliant sealing valve includes (i) a cap sealing section configured to form a sealing interface with the sealing rib when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position and (ii) a compression spring section configured to exert a restoring force on a position adjustment member when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position, the restoring force opposing a compressive force exerted by the cap and the position adjustment member on the compression spring section and urging the position adjustment member in an axial direction.

Abstract: A container lid assembly configured to be used with and seal a container body is provided. The container lid assembly includes a container lid including a plug member extending downwardly and a gasket-retaining portion adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the plug member, where an outer surface of the plug member defines at least part of the gasket-retaining portion. The container lid assembly further includes a sealing gasket retained on the gasket-retaining portion and configured to provide a seal between the outer surface of the plug member and an interior wall of the container body, where the sealing gasket includes a pull tab that (i) extends away from a sealing portion of the sealing gasket; and (ii) extends downward away from the gasket-retaining portion of the container lid.

Abstract: A container sealing assembly is provided. The container sealing assembly includes a cap configured to attach to a container body and including a sealing rib and a unitary compliant sealing valve having a continuous shape and movable between a sealed position and an open position. The unitary compliant sealing valve includes (i) a cap sealing section configured to form a sealing interface with the sealing rib when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position and (ii) a compression spring section configured to exert a restoring force on a position adjustment member when the unitary compliant sealing valve is in the sealed position, the restoring force opposing a compressive force exerted by the cap and the position adjustment member on the compression spring section and urging the position adjustment member in an axial direction.

Abstract: A container lid assembly configured to be used with and seal a container body is provided. The container lid assembly includes a container lid including a plug member extending downwardly and a gasket-retaining portion adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the plug member, where an outer surface of the plug member defines at least part of the gasket-retaining portion. The container lid assembly further includes a sealing gasket retained on the gasket-retaining portion and configured to provide a seal between the outer surface of the plug member and an interior wall of the container body, where the sealing gasket includes a pull tab that (i) extends away from a sealing portion of the sealing gasket; and (ii) extends downward away from the gasket-retaining portion of the container lid.

Abstract: A washing machine or other laundry appliance has a drum that rotates during washing cycles of the appliance. The appliance further incorporates a ballast system including a reservoir having means for permitting water to flow between said reservoir and the drum, an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled with water, and an outlet for enabling water to be drained from said reservoir. The appliance further incorporates means for filling said reservoir and maintaining said reservoir substantially full of water during the washing cycles. Weight of the reservoir when it is substantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum during the washing cycles of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing appliance and more specifically a laundry appliance. The present invention relates to a drum, (1) for a washing machine that allows increased capacity without the need to increase the size of the overall appliance. The drum comprises a receptacle having a solid outer wall with at least one aperture and means (19) for guiding liquid purged from laundry toward the aperture such that the liquid is expelled.

Abstract: For blocking or polishing a natural or synthetic stone having a Mohs hardness greater than about 5, a blocking head has a body, a mounting member which can move vertically with respect to the body, and a rotary spindle driven by a motor. The mounting member is carried by a leaf spring whose position is altered by a parallel linkage whose arm is driven by a motor. In this way, the spring can for soft landing apply an upwards bias opposing the gravitational force of the mass of the mounting member. When the stone is in contact with the scaife, the deflection of the spring measures the force on the stone, and this deflection is detected by an LVDT. Subsequently, the spring can apply a downwards bias to augment the working force. A microprocessor is responsive to the output of the LVDT and controls the motor so that the force applied to the stone complies with a predetermined program.