Abstract: In a method of and a device for suction transporting a material from an object surface, the suction transporting device has a suction unit and a unit for modulating the suction. A suction is applied to a transporting line by the suction unit so that a material is transported through the transporting line from an inlet to an outlet. A suction force of the suction produced in the transporting line is modulated by communicating an interior of the transporting line with atmosphere through a passage and periodically changing the area and the shape of the passage during the transporting. The frequency of the modulation is changed in dependence on the distance between the inlet of the transporting line and the object surface.

Abstract: A method of separation from a stack of sheets a block of predetermined number of sheets, the method including retaining the stack so that a portion of one edge of each consecutive foremost sheet is free to bend away from the stack, directing a plane of air flow sequentially on to the foremost surfaces of a predetermined number of foremost sheets to bend at least a portion of the free edge of each of the predetermined number of foremost sheets away from the stack, separating the bent predetermined number of foremost sheets into a block and removing the block from the remaining sheets in the stack. Preferably, the plane of the air flow intersects the plane of the sheets in the stack in the range of 5.degree.-10.degree.. The plane of the air flow can be directed to bend the free edge or just the corners of sheets in the block to be separated. In one example, the stack foremost end is inclined downward and the air flow is directed upward.

Abstract: A threadless connector for cable pipes or electrical conduit that includes two half-couplings having tightening flanges along their lateral edges or faces. Female and male necks and beads extend along the cooperating lateral faces to form longitudinal seals when the half-couplings are clamped together. Internal radial grooves located near the outer parts of both ends of the half-couplings cooperate with split compression rings the outer surface of which compresses against the conic grooves and the inner edges bite into the connected pipe sections to form radial seals therewith. The half-couplings can be either two separate congruent parts or joined along one edge as desired.

Abstract: An improved container for storing and transporting a hot pizza product that includes a top and bottom with nonzero Gauss curvatured structures over a major portion of the supporting surface so that less material need be used for fabrication without a lowering of structural integrity. The top and bottom members are adapted to nest with other like tops and bottom members to reduce the need storage space near the pizza oven where they are ready for use without preassembly. The floor of the bottom comprises upstanding projections with small top surface area to reduce the heat conduction path and to support the product above the floor to form an air insulating space between the product and the floor. The bottom member includes a sidewall that intersects the floor to form a supporting line when resting on a supporting surface, thermal conduction being limited to such line. The curved, convex shape of the floor then provides a closed air insulating space between the bottom and the resting surface.

Abstract: A pizza box having a top and bottom each formed of a single layer of biodegradable, insulating material, such as molded fiber. The bottom provides an insulating airspace between the hot pizza product and the bottom major surface area and another insulating airspace between the bottom undersurface and a resting surface. The top and bottom, when closed, provided a closed chamber with no external air circulation. Thermal conduction paths are reduced by the small surface area contact between the bottom and the product and the small surface contact area between the bottom and a resting surface. Additional features include a closed storage chamber without air vents, a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape, moisture absorption by the top inner surface, liquid resistance by the bottom top surface, stackable tops and bottoms, air restricting closure walls, cutting channels which also add strength to the bottom and radiation reflective color.