Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus to insulate beverage containers, and more particularly to a design which may sustain a temperature gradient from the ambient over a designed time frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insulated beverage container when housing a cooled liquid beverage initially in the range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient temperature no more than 80 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage will not rise more than 10 degrees for a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the beverage container. Similarly, the same insulated beverage container when housing a heated beverage initially in the range of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and ambient temperature no less than 20 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage may not cool more than 10 degrees for a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus to insulate beverage containers, and more particularly to a design which may sustain a temperature gradient over a designed time frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insulated beverage container when housing a chilled liquid beverage initially in the range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient temperature no more than 80 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage will not rise more than 10 degrees over a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the top of the beverage container. Similarly, the same insulated beverage container with a heated beverage initially in the range of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and ambient temperature no less than 20 degrees, the temperature of the liquid beverage may not cool more than 10 degrees over a period of 45 minutes with the insulating cap sealing the top of the beverage container.

Abstract: Methods for navigating a remote controlled vehicle, methods for maintaining a formation of remote controlled vehicles, and remote controlled vehicles using those methods. A vehicle is navigated using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Upon dropout of the GPS, the vehicle is navigated using a laser tracking system and one or both of: (i) a compass and (ii) wheel encoders. The navigation system may be used, in one embodiment, to maintain an echelon formation of remote controlled mine detection vehicles.

Abstract: Methods for navigating a remote controlled vehicle, methods for maintaining a formation of remote controlled vehicles, and remote controlled vehicles using those methods. A vehicle is navigated using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Upon dropout of the GPS, the vehicle is navigated using a laser tracking system and one or both of: (i) a compass and (ii) wheel encoders. The navigation system may be used, in one embodiment, to maintain an echelon formation of remote controlled mine detection vehicles.

Abstract: A molded collapsible solution container which defines a body portion having an integral neck portion and a relatively stiff shoulder portion and sealed at the opposite end, with gusset portions defined in the body portion adjacent the shoulder portion at opposite sides thereof. The shoulder portion extends outwardly from the neck portion and also extends axially rearwardly away from the neck portion in tapered manner. Sections of the shoulder portion adjacent the gusset portions normally extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, being connected to the remainder of the shoulder portion by an angular crease line and being flexible to permit axially forward bending of the sections about the crease line as the container collapses by draining. Also, the tail seal at the opposite end may define a convex, arcuate seal for improved strength.

Abstract: A molded collapsible solution container defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof. The container defines a pair of opposed gusset portions adjacent the shoulder portion at opposite ends of the shoulder portion, with the shoulder portion defining opposed shoulder edges extending between the gusset portions. A pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness are defined in the collapsible solution container and exhibit an arcuate cross section which extends inwardly of the container. The opposed lines of flexing weakness are positioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to the opposed shoulder edges with the opposed lines of flexing weakness being longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges by a distance which is proportioned to cause the opposed lines of flexing weakness to abut one another as the container collapses inwardly about the opposed shoulder edges.

Abstract: A molded collapsible solution container which container defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and shoulder portion at one end thereof. The container defines, in its normal, unstressed state, a transverse cross section which tapers from the shoulder portion progressively along a major portion of its length to a flat, sealed end portion at the end of the container opposite to the one end. In accordance with this invention, the shoulder portion is rectilinear in shape, with the wall circumferences of transverse cross sections preferably progressively decreasing in length along the container from adjacent the shoulder portion toward the opposite end. Opposed triangular gusset portions are preferably present in which the side of the gusset portion which is parallel to the shoulder edge is positioned directly against the shoulder edge, and the shoulder edge defines the shape of an enlarged, generally cylindrical section for ease of flexing.

Abstract: The method of molding flexible, collapsible containers comprises extruding a tubular parison of material to be molded and sealing the outer, free end of the parison; ballooning the parison with relatively low pneumatic pressure; closing the mold about the ballooned parison to cause the edges of the parison to protrude out of the mold chamber; and sealing said parison to form said container, including the step of forming seal lines positioned laterally inwardly from the lateral edges of the parison. A novel container design is also covered.

Abstract: A hanger for holding implements such as garden tools comprises a mounting bracket and a gripping member connected by a flexible cord. An aperture in the gripping member receives the tool handle, which is held in the gripping member by friction. The friction grip may be endhanced by having a slight angle in the gripping member, and by applying a frictional surface, such as a rubber grommet, ridges, or the like, to the edges of the aperture.

Abstract: A method of making a thin-walled tubular container. The container defines a head portion with access means to the contents of the container, and a tail portion defining a sealed line in the tail portion, joining sides of the container into a sealed end with a flat plastic piece being formed integral with the sealed line and extending away therefrom. In accordance with this invention, a pair of spaced rod members are formed as an integral part of the flat, plastic piece, the rod members extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the container. The flat plastic piece also defines a portion thereof between the rod members which is thinner than any remainder of the plastic piece spaced from the rod members. Accordingly, the rod members and intermediate portion therebetween provide an improved and stronger tail seal.

Abstract: A thin-walled tubular container and a mold for making it is disclosed. The container defines a head portion with access means to the contents of the container, and a tail portion defining a sealed line in the tail portion, joining sides of the container into a sealed end with a flat plastic piece being formed integral with the sealed line and extending away therefrom. In accordance with this invention, a pair of spaced rod members are formed as an integral part of the flat, plastic piece, the rod members extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the container. The flat plastic piece also defines a portion thereof between the rod members which is thinner than any remainder of the plastic piece spaced from the rod members. Accordingly, the rod members and intermediate portion therebetween provide an improved and stronger tail seal. A novel method for making such containers is also shown.

Abstract: A protector cap for establishing a sterile seal over a port having a puncturable section in a container wall and a cylindrical neck portion projecting from the periphery of the wall section. The cap comprises a molded housing having a ring-shaped recess for sealingly engaging the neck member and a chamber formed at least in part within a compressible handle portion. The handle portion is compressed prior to inserting the cap on the neck portion of the port and is subsequently released to establish a partial vacuum in the chamber. The partial vacuum assists in retaining the protector cap in position and prevents trapped air from forcing the cap off during subsequent heat-sterilization of the container.

Abstract: The method of molding flexible, collapsible containers comprises extruding a tubular parison of material to be molded and sealing the outer, free end of the parison; ballooning the parison with relatively low pneumatic pressure; closing the mold about the ballooned parison to cause the edges of the parison to protrude out of the mold chamber; and sealing said parison to form said container, including the step of forming seal lines positioned laterally inwardly from the lateral edges of the parison. A novel container design is also covered.