Abstract: A method including transporting fragile fruit into a hopper. The method also includes transferring the fragile fruit from the hopper into a container that is at least partially submerged in a fluid. The method additionally includes raising the container out of the fluid while the fragile fruit are within the container. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A portable hybrid hand labeler is disclosed that relies on mechanical motion, which eliminates the need for motors and the corresponding energy required to run the motors. The portable hybrid hand labeler also houses an ink jet head and a digital print mechanism, which offers the user infinite print flexibility via downloadable print bands. The portable hybrid hand labeler is preferably battery driven, and comprises a unique drive system and mechanism to harvest the kinetic energy from the trigger pull and a display panel with a solar panel to collect solar energy to trickle charge the battery pack, thereby increasing usage time between charges.

Abstract: A method including transporting fragile fruit into a hopper. The method also includes transferring the fragile fruit from the hopper into a container that is at least partially submerged in a fluid. The method additionally includes raising the container out of the fluid while the fragile fruit are within the container. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a container with fragile fruit involving submerging the container in water to better distribute the fragile fruit within the container. The container may be filled with fragile fruit either before or after being submerged in water. The fragile fruit may be transported using a stream of water or other suitable fluid medium.

Abstract: A printer has first and second interfaces for connecting to first and second networks having first and second data host configuration protocol servers. The first and second interfaces have differing media access control (MAC) addresses. The printer uses a recovery sequence to enable recovery for a host computer running an application when switching from the first printer interface to the second printer interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a container with fragile fruit involving submerging the container in water to better distribute the fragile fruit within the container. The container may be filled with fragile fruit either before or after being submerged in water. The fragile fruit may be transported using a stream of water or other suitable fluid medium.

Abstract: A printer has first and second interfaces for connecting to first and second networks having first and second data host configuration protocol servers. The first and second interfaces have differing media access control (MAC) addresses. The printer uses a recovery sequence to enable recovery for a host computer running an application when switching from the first printer interface to the second printer interface.

Abstract: A composite multi-ply tubular consumer products container having an outwardly visible raised design formed along a sidewall thereof is disclosed. The container is comprised of a continuous body ply wrapped about a longitudinal axis into an elongate tubular shape. The body ply has an exterior surface on which at least one protruding or raised panel member is positioned, whereupon a continuous label ply is wrapped about the exterior surface of the body ply and the at least one protruding member so that the at least one protruding member forms the raised design on that portion of the label ply wrapped thereabout. A method of making such a container, and an apparatus on which the container may be made, are also disclosed.

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.