Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diagram is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A container including at least one sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second vacuum panels, and a plurality of first and second ribs. The first and second vacuum panels are recessed beneath an outer surface of the sidewall. The second vacuum panel is spaced apart from, and vertically aligned with, the first vacuum panel. The plurality of first ribs protrude outward from the first vacuum panel. The plurality of second ribs protrude outward from the second vacuum panel.

Abstract: A container including at least one sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second vacuum panels, and a plurality of first and second ribs. The first and second vacuum panels are recessed beneath an outer surface of the sidewall. The second vacuum panel is spaced apart from, and vertically aligned with, the first vacuum panel. The plurality of first ribs protrude outward from the first vacuum panel. The plurality of second ribs protrude outward from the second vacuum panel.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a first flat portion and a second flat portion at the tip portion. The first flat portion extends at a first angle and the second flat portion extends at a second angle that is different than the first angle.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a flat portion at the tip portion.

Abstract: A non-round container including a sidewall with an outer surface. A first vacuum panel is recessed beneath the outer surface and includes at least one first rib. A second vacuum panel is recessed beneath the outer surface and includes at least one second rib. A middle vacuum panel is recessed beneath the outer surface and is positioned between the first and the second vacuum panels. The middle vacuum panel includes at least one middle rib.

Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diagram is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a flat portion at the tip portion.

Abstract: A polymeric container including an upper portion defining an opening to an interior volume of the container. A base is movable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container, thereby decreasing the volume of the container. A substantially cylindrical sidewall extends between the upper portion and the base. A rigid, central pushup portion of the base is at an axial center of the base. A central longitudinal axis of the container extends through a center of the central pushup portion. A flexible diaphragm of the base extends outward from the central pushup portion.

Abstract: A polymeric container including an upper portion defining an opening to an interior volume of the container. A base is movable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container, thereby decreasing the volume of the container. A substantially cylindrical sidewall extends between the upper portion and the base. A rigid, central pushup portion of the base is at an axial center of the base. A central longitudinal axis of the container extends through a center of the central pushup portion. A flexible diaphragm of the base extends outward from the central pushup portion.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a first flat portion and a second flat portion at the tip portion. The first flat portion extends at a first angle and the second flat portion extends at a second angle that is different than the first angle.

Abstract: A container including a finish, a sidewall portion, a base portion, and an inwardly directed rib member. The finish has a thread portion and an opening formed by the finish. The sidewall portion extends from the finish. The base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume for retaining a commodity. The inwardly directed rib member is disposed circumferentially about the finish.

Abstract: A container has a finish, a sidewall portion, a shoulder portion extending between the finish and the sidewall portion, and a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity. The sidewall portion includes a label boundary panel and a vacuum panel. The label boundary panel is generally resistant to deflection in response to a vacuum force and defining a surface for receiving a pressure sensitive spot label. The vacuum panel is deflectable in response to the vacuum force. Moreover, the container includes one or more inwardly-directed ribs extending along the label boundary panel and bound thereby. The inwardly-directed rib(s) generally aid(s) the label boundary panel to resist the vacuum force.

Abstract: A container comprising a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish having a thread portion and an opening formed therein, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and an inwardly directed rib member. The inwardly directed rib member is circumferentially disposed about the finish. In some embodiments, the inwardly directed rib member is positioned between the opening of the finish and the start of the thread portion.

Abstract: An amusement device having interactive advertisements includes a display, an input device, an attract mode, and a game play mode. The amusement device includes a memory that stores a plurality of electronic games. The amusement device also includes a controller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device, and the display. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to (i) permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play one of the plurality of electronic games and (ii) display an interactive advertisement during at least one of the attract mode and the game play mode.

Abstract: An air induction system for an engine to remove contaminants from intake air prior to delivery to the engine. The system includes an assembly for filtering air which is mounted in advance of the engine, and a duct for delivering air from the assembly to the engine. A sealing system is provided which prevents entry of unfiltered air while simultaneously permitting movement of the engine relative to adjacent parts of the airframe as engine power setting varies. The seal is protected from high pressures in the duct which can occur in operation of the engine.

Abstract: An amusement device has a display and an input device. The amusement device includes a memory that stores at least one electronic game and a system control program and a controller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. The electronic game has at least one virtual character, and the at least one virtual character has animated character traits. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to (i) permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play the at least one electronic game and (ii) modify the animated character traits being exhibited by the at least one virtual character as determined by an intelligence algorithm located in the control program based at least in part on the play of the game.

Abstract: An air induction system for an engine to receive intake air and provide for improved performance. The system includes a housing having two separable sections interengageable at a seam. A seal located along the seam provides a generally airtight engagement. An adjustable connection is for securing the seal at a selectable position to promote effective sealing. The seal is shaped for stability, having an inner end which is relatively wider and an outer end which is relatively narrower.

Abstract: An air induction system for an engine having an improved mechanism for control of an intake door. The system includes a housing having an opening for receiving intake air. A power activated door is pivotable between a closed position wherein the opening is closed and an open position wherein intake air may enter through the opening. Linkages operatively connect an actuator cylinder to the door. The linkages are configured such that movement of the cylinder produces a corresponding rotation of the door which is non-uniform across the cylinder's range of motion. The linkages include first and second bellcranks mounted for pivotal motion, and a link which interconnects the bellcranks. Movement of the cylinder at a first position causes pivoting of the door, while movement at a second position causes substantially no pivoting of the door.

Abstract: An amusement device that awards prizes has a display and an input device. The amusement device includes a memory that stores at least one electronic game and a system control program. The at least one electronic game has a plurality of play scenarios and is at least partially skill-based. The amusement device also includes a controller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play the at least one electronic game and determine at least one of an optimum series of requisite moves that will result in an optimal achievable score for a particular play scenario selected from a plurality of play scenarios.