Abstract: A conveyor tray is yieldably mounted on a table base and during table operation conveys articles therealong by vibratory motion. A base supports an electric motor for driving a power output shaft journalled on the base. Eccentrics mounted on the power output shaft impart orbital motion to bearing housings each mounted on a flexible connector plate. The upper ends of the connector plates are coupled to the table tray and impart arcuate motion to the tray. The connector plates are of fiberglass reinforced material with each plate supporting a bearing housing with an eccentric. Plates in place on each connector plate are detachably mounted to vary vibratory tray travel.

Abstract: A carousel apparatus including a track plate, two or more tracks that define a closed circuit, and an alignment block that travels about the closed circuit while maintaining a fixed orientation. The alignment block may be adapted to support a load so that the load may be recirculatively transported while maintaining a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A tensioning and tracking system with specific useful features for adjusting a conveyor belt is disclosed. Generally, the tensioning and tracking systems include a pair of plate members attached together and defining a channel and an elongated opening. Mounted within the channel is a slide plate having a distal end. Also, connected to one of the side plate members is a rotating member for reciprocally advancing the distal end of the slide plate into the elongated opening. The position of the slide plate within the elongated opening is secured by a locking screw connected to one of the plate members.

Abstract: A chain drum arrangement for a scraper-chain conveyor has a chain drum, which is connected at its end regions to two mutually aligned chain drum shafts mounted rotatably in a machine frame and, when uncoupled, can be removed from its fitted position transversely to its longitudinal axis from the machine frame. The chain drum shafts have terminal shaft journals projecting inwardly from side wall sections of the machine frame whereas the chain drum is provided, at its end regions, with substantially radially extending pockets with which it can be plugged onto the shaft journals and locked non-rotatably thereto The shaft journals are peripherally flattened to engage positively in the pockets and have external regions which act as locking claws fitting into undercut regions of the pockets when the drum is partly rotated around the journals. Closure members with screwed-on releasable locking plates serve to lock the drum on the journals.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for feeding product carriers through a system including a first rail along which the product carriers can move, branches associated with the first rail so that the product carriers can be supplied to and removed from the first rail along the branches, an endless belt for moving the product carriers along the first rail, and a second rail disposed above the first rail, the endless belt including downwardly extending sides and being suspended from the second rail whereby the downwardly extending sides of the endless belt are accessible for driving of the endless belt thereby.

Abstract: A barrier pack comprising a cover portion bonded to a base portion to form a sealed unit package capable of containing a product wherein the cover portion has at least one cavity and the base portion and/or cover portion has an absorbing agent material applied to the cavity and/or base portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package containing a plurality of cut lengths of fibrous casing which are moisturized to substantially soaked levels of moisture and are retained in an evacuated plastic bag wherein the moisture level of the casing is derived from free water added into the bag prior to evacuation. Also disclosed is a method of packaging cut lengths of casing which provides for the addition of soaked levels of moisture to the casing in the bag.

Abstract: A foam sheet comprising a cellular structure having two or more interconnected cells in fluid communication with one another, the foam sheet being in the form of a tray. One or more perforations are provided in the exterior surface of the tray, and extend into the cellular structure of the foam sheet to fluidly communicate with the interconnected cells. This arrangement is sufficient to permit gas to escape from the cellular structure in order to substantially prevent damage to the tray upon exposure thereof to a reduction in ambient pressure. A method of making the trays and a packaging method employing such trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a package for displaying and mailing media items such as CD's. The package is made from a unitary blank of foldable paperboard and includes a plurality of panels that when the package is formed has a generally rectangular configuration. A second panel and a third panel are foldable under a first panel and a second panel to form the package. Attached to and extending from the first and fourth panels is a pair of pop-up panels abutting each other along a common fold line integral with the first and fourth panels. A semi-circular slit is made in one of the pop-up panels providing a platform for attaching the CD hub thereto. The pop-up display package may also include a tear strip for sealing the package for mailing. In another embodiment a package is formed from a blank having a plurality of panels in a generally rectangular configuration. A first panel is formed and connected along a fold line to a second panel which is in turn formed with and connected along a fold line to a third panel.

Abstract: The dual purpose golf bag system allows for the conversion of two normally configured golf bags into one travel and/or storage container using primarily the inner supports of the two individual bags as the structural component of the travel/storage container. The system comprises a smaller bag with a removable cover and a slightly larger bag with a removable cover. When used in a travel/storage mode, the small bag nests inside the larger bag to form a rigid container to hold the clubs and associated accessories. The small and large golf bags have rigid interior supports. The supports have circular bottoms and cylindrical sidewalls and open tops. The small removable cover and the large removable cover are each formed of a flexible fabric with a base, a cylindrical peripheral wall and an open top.

Abstract: A holder for a cordless power tool having a battery pack, the holder arranged and constructed to receive and retain the cordless power tool in an upright orientation, the holder comprising a plate member having a periphery, a top side, and a bottom side, means for attaching the plate member to a supporting surface, and at least one side wall joined to the periphery of the plate member, the at least one side wall extending upwardly from the periphery and having a top edge, the top edge having at least one notch, such that when the cordless power tool is placed battery pack first into the cordless power tool holder, the at least one notch aligns with the cordless power tool's battery pack release and the cordless power tool is positioned an upright orientation with the cordless power tool battery pack resting on the plate member's top side and being surrounded and gripped by the at least one side wall.

Abstract: A bathroom accessory for attachment to a vertical surface having at least one chamber for holding toiletry items and a transverse wall having vertical orifices for toothbrushes and razors.

Abstract: A device for manipulation of a syringe needle and for sharps disposal is provided. Beneficially, in one aspect, single-handed use of the device is facilitated. In another aspect, the device includes advantageous features for guiding a needle tip into a needle cap. In yet other aspects, the device beneficially includes a protective cover which prevents accidental loss of used sharps from the device, and the device includes an aperture which engages a needle cap by cutting into the needle cap.

Abstract: A tool kit comprises a hollow case having a generally U-shaped storing space and a plurality of first spaced wave-shaped members provided on either opposing side, a hinged cover having a generally U-shaped section and second wave-shaped members formed as continuous ones with the corresponding first wave-shaped members when kit is closed, and a plurality of dividers removably provided between two opposed wave-shaped members. Such removeable adjustble dividers allow user to customize the division of storing space to suit the user's particular storing needs and access priorities. Further, an effective utilization of storing space is realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a seal for a sterilizable bag. This seal is made between a first polymeric sheet material (5) and a second polymeric sheet material (3). The first sheet material (5) should be sufficiently porous so as to allow or permit gas or steam sterilization but substantially impervious to bacteria. The second sheet material (3) includes an outer heat sealable layer. The seal (4) is fabricated from a first thermal surface weld (15) between the heat sealable layer of the second sheet material (3) and the first sheet material (5), and a second thermal melt weld (12) between at least the heat sealable layer of the second sheet material (3) and the first sheet material (5). The thermal melt weld (12) may be narrower than the first weld (11) and lying within the boundaries of the first weld (11). Furthermore, seal (4) may be sufficiently flat in order to allow a cross-heat seal using conventional equipment.

Abstract: A reclosable blister package wherein the blister package assembly is divided into main body portion and a door portion separated by an integral hinge formed therein. The first or main body portion of the blister package assembly is permanently attached to a planar base backing member, with the second or door portion being attached to the backing at its flanges by a reclosable system including interconnecting members, for example, projections/recesses, a tab and slot, or a “button” and “hole”, disposed on the side walls or on an extension flange extending from the flange of the main body.

Abstract: A device to aid in study and learning including a fabric bag having external pockets with transparent outer panels for holding study materials, such as homework or other papers associated with a course of study, and accessories for writing on and working with the study materials. The bag is made to the size of a standard breakfast cereal box so that the box can be placed inside of the bag so as to provide both support for the bag—so that the study materials are displayed upright for ready viewing—and a writing surface, so that the study material may be worked with by marking on the transparent outer panels. Closing straps are provided such that the straps may be secured out of the way for unhampered pouring of the contents of the box. Methods of use facilitate assisted study, such as a parent assisting a child during the breakfast hour, as well as individual study and study by two individuals concurrently.

Abstract: The household waste treatment requires neither incineration nor disposal in landfills. Two processing sub-systems, first one for combustibles and the other or second one for incombustibles, cooperate with each other as a single system for recycling the waste. The first sub-system deals with combustible waste to yield products for fertilizing and/or conditioning soil. In the process, what are inappropriate to the production of the soil fertilizing and/or conditioning products are sent to the second sub-system, which deals with incombustible waste. This sub-system sorts the incombustible waste materials into various kinds of recyclable products. Combustibles among the incombustible waste materials are sent to the first sub-system.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing solids from an aqueous fiber suspension in a flotation container that includes a drainage section. The process includes adding gas bubbles to the fiber suspension entering the flotation container, and collecting a flotation foam formed within the flotation container. The flotation foam includes the solids to be removed. The process also includes laterally moving the flotation foam in the drainage section, such that at least a portion of fluid within the flotation foam is drained from the flotation foam, collecting the drained fluid in the drainage section, discharging the drained fluid from the drainage section, discharging the flotation foam as a rejects material, and discharging a purified fiber suspension as an accepted stock suspension. The apparatus includes a flotation container, and a drainage section coupled to the flotation container. The drainage section is arranged to drain at least a portion of fluid from a flotation foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to the distribution of mail items with information on the surface of the mail items. Distribution occurs successively by means of various sorting machines. Sorting in particular is carried out in a succession of operations for the last point of distribution. According to the invention, distribution points are determined once the mail items have been received in the first sorting machine and the thicknesses of the mail items are measured by optical scanning of the mail item surfaces. Mail item thicknesses allocated to the distribution points are registered, stored and statistically prepared if required. Optimized sort programs are then calculated for sorting machines assigned to the various distribution points based on information regarding thickness, and the mail items are distributed accordingly.

Abstract: A filtration device for removing particulate matter from liquids has a rigid tubular body that terminates in a pair of open ends. The body has a plurality of openings therein, leading to a bore, and a layer of a filtration material, such as a polypropylene mesh, is stretched over the surface of the body. The filtration material has a preferred pore size of between 30 and 60 microns. The body is manufactured from plastic, and has a support means which prevents collapse of the filtration device under pressure. The filtration material is attached near the ends of the body, and a pair of end caps are attached to the ends. The end caps serve as means of fitting the filtration device within equipment such as automated photographic processing apparatus. The materials used to manufacture the filtration device are chosen so as to be resistant to both the physical conditions (such as temperature, pressure and flow rate) and the chemical conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for removing sludge from within a rectangular clarifying tank having a plurality of sludge collector flights attached to a pair of parallel chains for collecting sludge and scum within the waste water. Each of the collector flights includes a non-metallic elongated main body portion having spaced top and bottom walls connected by spaced front and rear walls for defining a hollow, interior cavity. Buoyant foam material is disposed within the interior cavity for increasing the buoyancy of the collector flight. The waste water treatment system further includes plastic bull and drive sprockets mounted to a drive shaft running across the width of the tank, and a chain drive assembly for driving a pair of parallel drive chains attached to the drive sprockets. The drive assembly causes rotation of a drive shaft through a chain link attachment to the bull sprocket.

Abstract: A combination desk lamp, compact disc holder, beverage cup holder and desk organizer set includes a hollow base for supporting a desk lighting fixture mounted to the top of the base, an upright compact disc (CD) holder which is glued to the top of the base, a desk organizer and/or a beverage cup holder. The desk organizer includes a pencil holder removably disposed inside a tray which is glued to the top of the base and provided on the inside with a plurality of cone-shaped protuberances for frictional support. The tray may serve also as a beverage cup holder. The CD holder can also be provided with a beverage cup holder which attaches to the top of the CD holder via glue and a leg/aperture coupling. The top of the CD holder beverage cup holder includes a plurality of concentric interspaced raised surfaces to provide frictional support for a beverage cup.

Abstract: A releasable latching apparatus and method of operation for securing a component of a computer system to a computer housing. The latching apparatus includes a casing and a shaft integrated with the casing such that the shaft is operable to move relative to the casing. Incorporated into the latching apparatus is a collet that extends along the shaft. The collet includes a locking portion, which can releasably secure a computer component to a housing by extending away from the shaft and capturing an element of the computer housing.

Abstract: A system and method for latching an industrial PC to a rack which uses a front end mounted handle which actuates a retractable hook member which engages a void in the shelf of a slot in the rack.

Abstract: A rack assembly for mounting telecommunications equipment is provided which includes a pair of novel reinforcement gussets welded at the upright-to-base junctures at the bottom of the equipment rack in order to provide improved structural integrity and simplified manufacturing requirements to the telecommunications equipment rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a support and device for compact discs utilizing the system. The device is made of thin flexible material such as cardboard, plastic or thin metal sheets being modular and collapsible. The device is in accordance with the standard sizes of the CD package, however, it would store also double and triple albums without making any changes. Due to its versatility it could also be used for video cassettes and similar objects.

Abstract: A circuit board carrier and method of using the same. The carrier allows circuit boards to be processed on lead frame-based semiconductor processing equipment. The circuit board carrier contains a structure to secure a circuit board thereto and the carrier is sized and shaped and provided with standardized indexing holes to allow processing of circuit boards on processing equipment configured for lead frame-based processing.

Abstract: A medication recordkeeping device comprised of a label or sheet with a plurality of characters identifying at least one subject upon which a friably removable mask covering obscures each of the characters. The label or sheet is adapted to be fixedly applied to a medication containing vessel wherein each time an individual unit of medication is consumed, the friable removable mask is removed from a character in order that the underlying subject will be exposed so that a visual record will be kept of the medication consumed. The characters may be dates, numerals or dosage amounts corresponding to a patient's needs or the particular requirements of the medication. The label or sheet preferably also includes an area for recording important information such as a patient's name or medical history. A bar code may be provided for recording relevant information. Further, the label or sheet can be inserted into a housing apparatus which attaches a medicine container thereto.

Abstract: A rack to hold pre-designed containers such as jars, cans, powered drink tubs and the like, or custom designed containers that specifically interact with the rack. The rack has one or more pairs of resilient arms extending out from a back panel, at about 90 degrees, to form container holders. Each of the resilient top arms has formed protrusions or indents that interact with opposing protrusions or indents within the container lid. The bottom arm is designed to interact with the shape of the base of the container.

Abstract: The information display system includes a base assembly adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. A container may be adapted for coupling to the track system. The container may provide at least one display panel adapted to reveal or conceal information.

Abstract: The storage system includes a universal frame adapted to support different inserts, such as a hanging folder, a hanging sling, and a hanging box-shaped insert and is adapted to be supported by various supports, such as bent-wire snap-attach legs, a panel bracket, and rigid box support. The storage system is knockdown and reconfigurable by a user, and thus provides flexibility of use, while taking advantage of common parts. Further, the system can be flexibly used in existing offices having shelves.

Abstract: A collapsible and stackable pallet rack is provided for shipping and storing heavy roll goods having a central mandrel. The rack includes two pairs of adjacent and opposite upright corner posts being foldable inwardly and downwardly. Two side bars connect together the pair of opposite upright corner posts. There are also two pairs of upper and lower end bars. Each pair of end bars connect together one pair of adjacent upright corner posts. On top of each upper end bar, there is one cradle positioned centrally thereon for receiving one end of the central mandrel. A holddown plate is fastened on top of each cradle. Two pairs of hinge plates connect the two pairs of corner posts with the two side bars. This rack provides a shipping unit that prevents damage to heavy roll goods during transit and simultaneously provides a cost-effective stackable storage unit.

Abstract: A hoisting device (1) comprises at least a hoisting mast (7), a foot (4) arranged on the underside and connected to the hoisting mast, and a lifting device (6) connected at least to the top of the hoisting mast (7). The hoisting device (1) is assembled from components or elements (8), the largest of which has dimensions which do not exceed those of a normal container, whereby the entire hoisting device (1) can be transported easily and inexpensively by land, sea or air.

Abstract: A railcar cushioning device with a gas charged cylinder and a piston contained in the cylinder for cushioning buff and draft impacts. A spring assembly is contained in the cylinder between the piston and an end of the cylinder to locate the piston in a neutral position.

Abstract: A safety closure including a top wall, a side wall depending from the top wall, and a locking tab projecting outwardly from the side wall, the locking tab having a reinforced end integrally connected to the side wall and a free end connected to the side wall by a biasing strap, wherein the reinforced end of the locking tab inhibits movement of the free end of the locking tab in at least an upward direction.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a container with an increased door opening height in which the thickness of the door header is reduced and the floor of the base structure is sloped downward towards the doorway, thereby increasing the efficiency with which palletized cargoes can be loaded and the effective capacity of the container while maintaining the container's external dimensions and structural integrity.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure for an electrical device includes a channel-shaped base plate, a five sided cover, and a flush-mount plate. The flush-mount plate has an opening that makes the front wall of the cover visible. The flush-mount plate allows the enclosure to be mounted flush indoors through a commercial building or a residential dwelling gypsum wall. The flush-mount plate has holes that are aligned with the threaded cylinders of the cover through which machine screws may pass to secure the cover to the flush-mount plate. The cover has no front flanges, and the bottom wall of the cover has slots, which allow the base plate to slide into the cover. The cover side flanges have holes and slots for side mounting. Additional side flanges that are bent from the top wall cover the upper parts of the side flanges of the cover, and prevent water from entering the enclosure from the top. A rear flange that is bent from the top wall prevents water from entering the top of the base plate.

Abstract: A mouth forming device for a container includes an opening section, an operating section and a supporting section which are disposed in substantially the same plane. A substantially U-shaped groove is provided between one end portion of the opening section and one end portion of the operating section. The supporting section surrounds a portion of the opening section and the operating section. The operating section is linked to and supported by the supporting section through axles. The opening section, the operating section and the supporting section are integrated through a thin wall portion and the support axles by molding. When the other end portion of the operating section is raised, the axles are twisted and the operating section rotates about the axles to close groove. Accordingly, the end portion of the opening section is pressed by the end portion of the operating section and the part of the container located beneath the opening section is opened by the opening section.

Abstract: A tray adapted to rest on bottles and also to receive bottles in cups in the upper side of the tray, several trays adapted to be stacked with intermediate trays, each cup thereby comprising a central flange ring having a vertical flange, the lower edge of which being adapted to rest on the supporter ring on a bottle standing on a lower tray, in such a way that the weight of the tray above, including bottles, is transferred to the bottles standing in a lower tray and further to this tray through the supporter ring.

Abstract: A vessel incorporating an improved article support surface for supporting an article, such as a food product, during processing (e.g., baking, thawing or freezing), has a surface for supporting a food product or another article and a pattern is formed or otherwise incorporated in the article supporting surface. The pattern incorporated into the support surface is comprised of a raised portion and a low portion or valley and combine to define or create a pocket underneath the supported article or food product in which air circulates or flows during processing. In a preferred embodiment various shapes of baking sheets incorporating a “pebble-grain pattern” is embossed on a metal sheet and the embossed metal sheet is then formed into the desired shape. The sheets are constructed of various aluminum alloys used in the food equipment industry including, but not limited to, 3003, 3004 or 5052 aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A flexible member is fabricated with four side walls forming a chamber which is coupled to a fluid source or reservoir on one side and has a slit through the end wall on the other side. The end wall is generally flat on its interior surface. Deformation of the side walls of the flexible member as by biting causes the end wall with the slit to deform and open the slit which otherwise is retained closed by the walls of the flexible member. This action establishes fluid dispensing from the source through the slit. The thickness of at least two of the side walls with respect to the slit containing end wall is greater than the end wall so that the pivoting hinge lines are established. Alternatively or in addition to the foregoing, a cut or groove into the interior of the end wall establishes a hinge line with cuts on either side of the slit thus establishing dual hinge lines.

Abstract: To provide the lid body of a beverage container, wherein a mouthpiece tube communicated to the beverage container is stored within a storing portion in the blocked condition by one-touch operation of an openable lid and taken out of the storing portion by one-touch operation, and the lid body of a beverage container with a cap, wherein a cap which can store the mouthpiece tube is connectably provided therein. The lid body of a beverage container is composed of a main body portion and an openable lid mounted on the main body portion. The main body portion comprises a bowl-like storing portion for storing a mouthpiece tube. On the other hand, the openable lid are projected a pair of connecting portions for connecting each of the switching mechanisms.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided including a cover and a container. The cover and container components are adapted to resist deformation resulting otherwise from forces encountered during handling and storage. Accordingly, the resulting container assembly can withstand side impact, stacking and internal pressure.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser which includes a container portion for holding tissues or other articles. The container portion includes a lower portion which may fit within an adjustable or non-adjustable vehicle cup holder, a transition portion positioned above the lower portion, and an upper portion positioned above the transition portion. The lower portion preferably has a diameter that can fit most non-adjustable vehicle cup holders provided by automobile manufacturers. The transition portion extends outwardly from the lower portion and typically has a flare-like shape. The upper portion extends upward from the transition portion and is preferably larger in height and diameter than the lower portion in order to increase the containment volume for the present tissue dispenser. The lower portion, transition portion and upper portion of the container portion define an interior space for receiving and containing tissues or other articles to be dispensed by the present tissue dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising at least two parts, with the first part (d) being releasably held within the second (g) of the two parts and the first and second parts can be moved relative to one another to display at least two apertures leading to a chamber for retaining articles which are to be dispensed from the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably for dispensing question cards for playing a jigsaw game.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a device in response to the presence of a human body part includes a theremin for detecting the presence of a human body part in an area and producing a first output signal in response to the detection. A second sensor separately detects the presence of a human body part in the area and produces a second output signal in response to the separate detection. A processor determines the presence of both the first and second output signals and in response thereto provides a control signal to the device.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser with an ornamental device having a spiral extension securely extending from a bottom of the container; a hollow cylinder; a clamping ring for securely engaging the hollow cylinder with the bottom of the container; a resilient member compressibly mounted around the spiral extension and a free end of which abuts against the bottom of the container; and a rotating device received in the hollow cylinder. A force applied to the liquid dispenser will drive the rotating device to rotate. Therefore, when a roulette or a compass is mounted onto the rotating disk, the rotation of the rotating disk will increase the overall attraction.

Abstract: A closable opening device (2) having a frame (15) defining a through hole (16) and fitted about a pierceable portion (4) of a sealed package (1) for pourable food products; a removable threaded cap (17) which screws onto the frame (17) to close the hole (16); and a tubular cutting member (18), which engages the hole (16) in movable manner along a spiral feed path, is connected angularly to the cap (17) during disengagement of the cap (17) from the frame (15) when first opening the package (1), and has an end edge (40) in turn having, on the face, a single cutter (55) acting along a major portion (C) of the periphery of the pierceable portion (4) to open the package (1).

Abstract: Packaging for a product, especially a pasty liquid, includes: a reservoir for the product, formed by a compressible body, surmounted by a shoulder; a rigid neck with an X-axis, joined to the shoulder, and provided with a dispensing passage, wherein a free edge of the shoulder delimits an aperture communicating with the interior of the reservoir; and a cap, able to close the aperture. The neck includes at least two slits extending over substantially the entire height of the neck and opening out into the aperture.