Abstract: By constructing packaging or cushioning components with a cellulose-fiber foam and uniquely blending relatively longer fibers serving as mechanical structure with refined chemical fibers serving as a bonding mechanism for the relatively longer fibers together, a lower density, energy absorbing, and resilient cellulose-fiber foam is disclosed. Some cellulose-fiber foam components additional do not require stand-alone foaming agent or surfactant.

Abstract: A method for degumming bast fibers comprising soaking a source of bast fiber in a saline solution. The source of bast fiber may be soaked in a saline solution having a concentration ranging between less than 1 part per thousand to about 200 parts per thousand. The saline concentration may vary as the source of bast fiber is soaking, or by alternating bast fiber between aqueous solutions of differing ionic concentrations. In one embodiment, the source of bast fiber is soaked in seawater, wherein the saline concentration varies by alternating the salinity using a tide. The source of bast fiber may be hemp.

Abstract: Shrink wrap films that are customized to have a shape matching a shape of a particular part or parts are disclosed. The shrink wrap films can be formed using unique manufacturing techniques that involve heating the part or parts prior to applying the shrink wrap film. The resultant part or parts will have substantially wrinkle-free and defect-free shrink wrap film applied thereon. In some embodiments, additional functional and cosmetic features are formed in the shrink wrap film. In some embodiments, a laser cutting procedure is used to form the features in the shrink wrap film. Methods can be used to provide visually and tactilely smooth and aesthetically appealing shrink wrapped consumer products.

Abstract: Shrink wrap films that are customized to have a shape matching a shape of a particular part or parts are disclosed. The shrink wrap films can be formed using unique manufacturing techniques that involve heating the part or parts prior to applying the shrink wrap film. The resultant part or parts will have substantially wrinkle-free and defect-free shrink wrap film applied thereon. In some embodiments, additional functional and cosmetic features are formed in the shrink wrap film. In some embodiments, a laser cutting procedure is used to form the features in the shrink wrap film. Methods can be used to provide visually and tactilely smooth and aesthetically appealing shrink wrapped consumer products.

Abstract: A juice dispenser is shown that includes a water bath tank, a mechanical refrigeration system and a beverage containing cabinet. These three primary components are designed to be separable modular units that are easily assembled together and disassembled. A sheet metal refrigeration deck having an evaporator secured thereto and suspended there below is dropped into and secured to a top end of a water bath tank. Various mechanical refrigeration components including primarily a compressor and condenser, are supported above the deck at a rear portion thereof. The beverage cabinet is positioned and retained above a forward portion of the water bath tank and includes an internal space for retaining a beverage container for holding typically a volume of beverage or juice concentrate/syrup. Fluid disconnects provide for releasable connection with the water bath for providing fluid connection to a heat exchange coil located in the cabinet to provide cooling therein, and hence, cooling of the concentrate.

Abstract: A juice dispensing system which includes a first station and a second station is provided. The first station includes a housing and dispensing valve extending therefrom for dispensing juice product into a cup. The dispensing valve includes an inlet for receiving water and juice concentrate, mixes the water and the concentrate to form the product and then dispenses the juice product. A first conduit extends through the housing to provide water to the inlet at the dispensing valve, while a second conduit provides juice concentrate to the inlet supply at the dispensing valve. The juice concentrate is stored in a juice concentrate reservoir at a second station, the second station being at a remote distance from the first station. A peristaltic pump is disposed within the second conduit for creating a suction which draws the juice concentrate from the juice concentrate reservoir and further meters the juice concentrate to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A juice dispensing system which includes a first station and a second station is provided. The first station includes a housing and dispensing valve extending therefrom for dispensing juice product into a cup. The dispensing valve includes an inlet for receiving water and juice concentrate, mixes the water and the concentrate to form the product and then dispenses the juice products A first conduit extends through the housing to provide water to the inlet at the dispensing valve, while a second conduit provides juice concentrate to the inlet supply at the dispensing valve. The juice concentrate is stored in a juice concentrate reservoir at a second station, the second station being at a remote distance from the first station. A peristaltic pump is disposed within the second conduit for creating a suction which draws the juice concentrate from the juice concentrate reservoir and further meters the juice concentrate to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing one or more fruit or vegetable beverages. The dispenser includes a housing design to hold one or more liquid containers filled with a fruit or vegetable concentrate and a fluid metering mechanism for providing the liquid concentrate from the liquid containers to a consumer. The fluid metering mechanism is a modular component which simplifies maintenance and repair of the dispenser and further reduces leakage.

Abstract: An ice chest-type soft drink dispenser containing a body of ice in contact with a cold plate at the bottom thereof. The cold plate contains syrup and carbonated water tubes through which syrup and carbonated water passes, respectively. A pre-chill coil of a plurality of turns of tubing embedded in an aluminum body is provided, separate from the cold plate and the tubing is in fluid communication with the carbonated water tube and a source of carbonated water.