Abstract: A method includes providing a container having a folding side wall, the folding side wall in an open position defining a side access port having a predetermined side access port frame of reference. The folding side wall is positioned in the open position. Content/items are ordinated from a first arrangement of the content/items to a second arrangement of the content/items, different than the first arrangement of the content/items and disposed within the container with the second arrangement of the content/items ordinated with respect to the predetermined side access port frame of reference and an access direction to the content/items through the side access port.

Abstract: The refillable container includes a semi-rigid outer shell that defines an interior void and includes a detachable pour spout. The container may be refilled with a plurality of collapsible inserts. Instead of rigid beverage bottles and other flowable substance containers, the collapsible inserts may be transported from a manufacturing to a filling facility in a collapsed state, and do not have to include semi-rigid materials thereby minimizing disposal requirements. A tilt-pouring embodiment, a helical track embodiment, a helical axle embodiment and an air-bladder embodiment of refillable containers having common components permit dispensing of products from the containers to achieve virtually zero waste of the products.

Abstract: The sink system (10) includes a sink support frame (12) for supporting a sink (24). A vertical adjustment mechanism (30) secured between the sink support frame (12) and a rear wall (32) permits selective vertical movement of the sink support frame (12). A horizontal adjustment mechanism (40) secured between the sink support frame (12) and the sink (24) permits selective horizontal movement of the sink (24) away from and toward the rear wall (32). Flexible cold and hot water delivery lines (44, 46) and a flexible drain pipe (54) are secured between the rear wall (32) and a bottom surface of the sink. Vertical and horizontal movement of the sink (24) greatly facilitates use of the sink (24) by elderly and disabled persons using a wheelchair (56) and/or a walker. A two-sink cabinet embodiment (130) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system (30) includes a product engager (32), a transporter (34) and a patterned depositor (36) for engaging products (38) and transporting the products (38) from the product engager (32) to the patterned depositor (36), such as between a product bagging machine (56) that forms and fills a bag (24), a conveyor that transports the bags as the products (38) and delivers them to a case packing machine as the patterned depositor (36). The product engager (32) and the patterned depositor (36) include first and second drivers (46, 48) and the transporter (34) includes an adjustable-length buffer (50) to compensate for any temporary difference between a first product delivery rate of the product engager (32) and a rate of movement of the products (38) passing from the product engager (32) along the transporter (34) to the patterned depositor (36).

Abstract: The folding side-wall container (10, 62, 66) provides for efficient loading and unloading of the containers appropriate for retail re-supply of goods (52, 64, 90). Use of the containers as a distribution container (62) and a wholesale goods container (66) within an automated system (60) for automated transfer by a robotic picker (68) of goods (64) from the wholesale container (66) to the distribution container (62) minimizes labor costs in distribution of the goods (64). The container (10) includes a folding wall (22) that is releasably secured in a closed position by a top lid (34) having an engagement lip (42) that secures a top edge (46) of the folding side or front wall (22). Opening the top lid (34) and then folding down the front wall (22) permits efficient loading and unloading of the container (10).

Abstract: The folding side-wall container (10, 62, 66) provides for efficient loading and unloading of the containers appropriate for retail re-supply of goods (52, 64, 90). Use of the containers as a distribution container (62) and a wholesale goods container (66) within an automated system (60) for automated transfer by a robotic picker (68) of goods (64) from the wholesale container (66) to the distribution container (62) minimizes labor costs in distribution of the goods (64). The container (10) includes a folding wall (22) that is releasably secured in a closed position by a top lid (34) having an engagement lip (42) that secures a top edge (46) of the folding side or front wall (22). Opening the top lid (34) and then folding down the front wall (22) permits efficient loading and unloading of the container (10).

Abstract: The refillable container (20) includes a semi-rigid outer shell (22) that defines an interior void (24) and includes a detachable pour spout (26). The container (20) may be refilled with a plurality of collapsible inserts (32). Instead of rigid beverage bottles and other flowable substance containers, the collapsible inserts (32) may be transported from a manufacturing to a filling facility in a collapsed state (76), and do not have to include semi-rigid materials thereby minimizing disposal requirements. A tilt-pouring embodiment (20), a helical track embodiment (100), a helical axle embodiment (240) and an air-bladder embodiment (300) of refillable containers having common components permit dispensing of products from the containers (20, 100, 240, 300) to achieve virtually zero waste of the products.

Abstract: The system (30) includes a product engager (32), a transporter (34) and a patterned depositor (36) for engaging products (38) and transporting the products (38) from the product engager (32) to the patterned depositor (36), such as between a product bagging machine (56) that forms and fills a bag (24), a conveyor that transports the bags as the products (38) and delivers them to a case packing machine as the patterned depositor (36). The product engager (32) and the patterned depositor (36) include first and second drivers (46, 48) and the transporter (34) includes an adjustable-length buffer (50) to compensate for any temporary difference between a first product delivery rate of the product engager (32) and a rate of movement of the products (38) passing from the product engager (32) along the transporter (34) to the patterned depositor (36).

Abstract: A method of bonding an optical cover panel to an information display device through the use of intermediate layers of optical pressure-sensitive adhesive film which adheres to both optical silicone bonding medium and polymer plastic, and structures formed thereby.

Abstract: Fixtures and methods of using fixtures to facilitate the fabrication of devices having thin films, for example, gasketed components of fuel-cell membrane electrode assemblies, are disclosed. In one aspect, the fixture comprises a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a thin film to the plate wherein the thin film at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the thin film provides a surface for mounting at least one component of a device. Another aspect is a fixture for facilitating the fabrication of a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly which includes a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a gasket to the plate wherein the gasket at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the gasket provides a surface for mounting at least one electrode for a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.

Abstract: In a process for the assembly of wax trees, a wax runner is placed in a flat position, and a wax pattern is located adjacent to the wax runner. Both the wax pattern and the wax runner are heated and then placed in contact with one another where heated. Then the wax pattern and the wax runner are separated slightly to form a fillet weld between the wax pattern and the wax runner. An apparatus is also provided which, by robotics, brings a multiplicity of wax patterns to a wax runner and which automatically heats both the wax patterns and the wax runner before simultaneously pressing both the wax patterns and the wax runner together. Once a wax tree assembly is completed, a new wax runner replaces the wax runner that has been formed into a wax tree, and additional wax patterns are affixed in the same manner.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a door relative to an access opening in a door frame includes three links pivotally connected between the door and the door frame permitting outward and lateral movement of the door. A structural member or pillar releasably secured to the door frame can move with the door and the mechanism can include a supporting member extending beneath and supporting the door during movement.

Abstract: Fixtures and methods of using fixtures to facilitate the fabrication of devices having thin films, for example, gasketed components of fuel-cell membrane electrode assemblies, are disclosed. In one aspect, the fixture comprises a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a thin film to the plate wherein the thin film at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the thin film provides a surface for mounting at least one component of a device. Another aspect is a fixture for facilitating the fabrication of a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly which includes a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a gasket to the plate wherein the gasket at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the gasket provides a surface for mounting at least one electrode for a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A desiccant container (10) includes a cylindrical body (12) having a first end (14) and an opposed second end (16). The cylindrical body (12) defines a desiccant chamber (18) within the cylindrical body (12) for holding the desiccant material within the chamber (18) between the first and second ends (14, 16). The cylindrical body (12) is made of a flexible, gas permeable, liquid impermeable material. A first disk (20) is secured adjacent the first end (14), and a second disk (22) secured adjacent the second end (16) to facilitate closing of the ends (14, 16) and to support maintenance of a cylindrical shape of the container (10) during usage of the desiccant container (10) in high-speed automated packaging machinery.

Abstract: A process for the assembly of wax trees in which a wax runner is placed in a flat position and a wax pattern is located adjacent the wax runner. Both the wax runner pattern and the wax runner are heated and then are placed in contact with one another where heated. Then the wax pattern and the wax runner are separated slightly to form a fillet weld between the wax pattern and the wax runner. An apparatus is also provided which, by robotics, brings a multiplicity of wax patterns to a wax runner and which automatically heats both the wax patterns and the wax runner before simultaneously pressing both the wax pattern and the wax runner together. Once a wax tree assembly is completed a new wax runner replaces the wax runner that has been formed into a wax tree and additional wax runners are affixed in the same manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a door relative to an access opening in a door frame includes three links pivotally connected between the door and the door frame permitting outward and lateral movement of the door. A structural member or pillar releasably secured to the door frame can move with the door and the mechanism can include a supporting member extending beneath and supporting the door during movement.

Abstract: A process for the assembly of wax trees in which a wax runner is placed in a flat position and a wax pattern is located adjacent the wax runner. Both the wax runner pattern and the wax runner are heated and then are placed in contact with one another where heated. Then the wax pattern and the wax runner are separated slightly to form a fillet weld between the wax pattern and the wax runner. An apparatus is also provided which, by robotics, brings a multiplicity of wax patterns to a wax runner and which automatically heats both the wax patterns and the wax runner before simultaneously pressing both the wax pattern and the wax runner together. Once a wax tree assembly is completed a new wax runner replaces the wax runner that has been formed into a wax tree and additional wax runners are affixed in the same manner.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a door relative to an access opening in a door frame includes three links pivotally connected between the door and the door frame permitting outward and lateral movement of the door. A structural member or pillar releasably secured to the door frame can move with the door and the mechanism can include a supporting member extending beneath and supporting the door during movement.