Abstract: A system for sound diffusion, particularly at low and infra-low frequencies in rooms used for the reproduction of music and speech including at least one large horn enclosure and an architectural structure with a continuous or intermittent “multi-hemicylindrical” surface. The surface covers the walls of the room, for the diffusion/reflection of the sound in a broad spectrum of frequencies and with absorption that is adjustable at least at the low frequencies.

Abstract: A reactive silencer intended for industrial supply air or exhaust air channels has a sound attenuator chamber (10), to which is fitted a partition wall (12) dividing the sound attenuator chamber into a first and second chamber part (14, 16). The partition wall (12) is fitted with two or more channels or pipes (26, 26′, 26″) which connect the first chamber part (14) to the second chamber part (16). In this way a silencer of small size and simple structure is obtained for attenuating noise, especially that produced by large or several small air channels.

Abstract: A flat acoustic resin insulator (A) is one-shot molded, with a sound absorbing structure composed of a rigid-connected combination of a plurality of independent sound absorbing cells each constituted with a mold cavity (C) defined by a rigid lateral wall (E), a rigid bottom wall (F), and a vibratory top surface layer (H), and an opening (B) formed through the surface layer (H) for acoustic external communication of the mold cavity (C). The opening (B) cooperates with the mold cavity (C) to serve for resonance absorption of sounds, and the surface layer (H) covering the mold cavity (C) serves for film-vibratory absorption of sounds. Characteristic curves of the resonance sound-absorption and the film-vibratory sound-absorption have their peaks at different audible frequencies and their slopes overlapping therebetween, with a superimposed sound-absorbing effect over a wide frequency range.

Abstract: A fall arrest device (100) for use on an elongate support (180) including locking cams (132, 133, 134, 135) embodied by first and second independent actuable cam elements (133, 135), said cam elements (133, 135) being biased by a bias (132, 133, 134, 135) into locking engagement with the elongate support (180) and being actuated by a common arrester (128) in response to a sudden change in load experienced by the device (100) such that said first cam element (133) traps the elongate support (180) relative to a chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a first direction and such that said second cam element (135) traps the elongate support (180) relative to said chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a second direction.

Abstract: An escape ladder provides emergency egress from a dwelling and generally comprises a hook assembly connected to a ladder assembly. The hook assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced clamps and the ladder assembly includes a pair of straps attached to the clamps and a series of rungs extending between the straps. Each clamp comprises an upper hook and a lower hook connected via a hinge. The pair of clamps are connected via a collapsible stabilizer bar. The hinges and stabilizer bar permit the clamps of the hook assembly to be folded and compressed to form an un-deployed configuration of the hook assembly. The rungs are of common cross-sectional shape permitting them to be nested in an un-deployed configuration of the ladder assembly. The escape ladder of the present invention provides secure attachment to the dwelling, folds into an un-deployed package that small and compact for storage, yet is assembled to provide user-friendly deployment that can be reliably deployed in a high stress situation.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffolding, especially facade scaffolding, comprising vertical poles (11) located one behind the other, preferably in pairs, and interconnected at given vertical intervals by means of cross struts (12). Said vertical poles (11) consist preferably of individual elements (11′) and form support frames (43) with said cross struts (12). Base plates (13) are also positioned between the cross struts (12) of neighbouring support frames (43). Diagonal poles (27) are arranged between at least some of the neighbouring vertical poles (11). According to the invention, scaffolding of this type is configured in such a way that at least one end of the diagonal poles (27) engages in an aperture (16) provided in the designated vertical pole (11) by means of a hook (15, 15′). Said opening lies at least essentially in the plane defined by the axes (17) of the neighbouring vertical poles (11).

Abstract: A one-piece brake disk for a vehicle includes a radially inner annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially located mounting holes defining a mounting circle; a radially outer annular portion concentric with the radially inner annular portion and having opposite braking surfaces; and a plurality of connecting arms extending from an inner peripheral surface of the radially outer annular portion to an outer peripheral surface of the radially inner annular portion. Each of the plurality of connecting arms is tangent to an effective circle concentric with the mounting circle, wherein the effective circle has a radius greater than a radius of the mounting circle.

Abstract: The invention provides a lightweight brake drum (10) having a lightweight, tubular inner member (14), a length of wire (16) wrapped around the inner member (14) and an outer shell (18). The inner member (14) and the outer shell (18) are made of a lightweight material. Typically, multiple layers of length of wire (16) are wrapped around the inner member (14) to support and inhibit expansion of the inner member (14). Since the length of wire (16) provides support against expansion, the inner member (14) and the outer shell (18) can be made of lightweight materials.

Abstract: A handle structure for adjusting directions of a luggage handle includes a handle located on the top end of the luggage to fasten to the extensible pulling bars of the luggage. The handle consists of a front frame and a rear frame coupling to form a handle section. In the handle section, a depressing member is provided which has a bottom to contact a push stem. The push stem is formed in an inverse T shape. The push stem is housed in an anchor seat which consists of an upper seat and a lower seat. The upper seat has a retain trough to engage with the push stem. The anchor seat also has a depressing plate which has two ends located above two openings of the lower seat to contact control bars of a control element. Depressing the push button of the depressing member, the push stem may be disengaged from the retain trough of the anchor seat to allow the handle turning to an angle or direction desired.

Abstract: A front or rear torque transfer module system for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a housing containing two rotating shaft members connected by a clutch. The clutch is activated when a braking mechanism such as an electromagnetic, hysteresis or eddy current brake modulates the relative rotation between a clutch pressure plate and the second rotating shaft member. The difference in relative rotation forces two opposing ramped surfaces into opposition to induce the clutch pressure plate to compress a set of interleaved clutch discs thereby transferring rotational motion between the first rotating shaft member and the second rotating shaft member.

Abstract: A clutch unit includes an outer ring, an inner rings a plurality of rollers, a retainer for retaining the rollers, and a centering spring mounted in the retainer. A plurality of cam surfaces are formed at equal intervals at the inner circumference of the outer ring, and a circumferential surface is formed at the outer circumference of the inner ring. An operation member is mounted at the outer circumference of the outer ring, and an input torque is provided to the outer ring from the operation member. The inner ring is coupled to an output member. A pair of engaging portions in the centering spring are engaged with a stationary side member, which couples the retainer to the stationary side member through the centering spring in the pivotal direction.

Abstract: A fluid clutch includes a first transmission element and a second transmission element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the first transmission element. Torque transmission surfaces of the first and the second transmission elements are located opposite one another in a working fluid region in which torque transmission coupling can be made selectively between the first and the second transmission elements by means of fluid. A valve arrangement can be actuated for selectively making and breaking a fluid flow connection between a fluid storage region and the working fluid region, in order respectively to allow and prevent the ingress of fluid from the fluid storage region into the working fluid region and a braking apparatus can generate a braking force acting on the second transmission element. Two components are movable with respect to one another within a limited range of movement by the transmission of braking force to the second transmission element.

Abstract: A transmission comprising at least one clutch (3, 4) which for closing can be actuated by a spring force and for opening can be actuated by a hydraulic pressure and the clutch can be shifted in a manner such that the pressure medium of an actuating device (6, 7) previously subjected to pressure drains directly into a pressure medium reservoir (21) until a defined pressure level is reached and below a defined pressure level fills an accumulator (17, 24) and flows out of the accumulator (17, 24) via a throttle point (22, 25) into a pressure medium reservoir (21) to make a pressure-modulated shifting of the clutch (3, 4) possible.

Abstract: A one-way clutch device comprises a plurality of torque transmitting members interposed between an inner race and an outer race for transmitting a rotation between the inner race and the outer race through the torque transmitting members only in one direction of rotation. A side part of the inner race is formed with a plurality of oil paths for supplying lubricating oil.

Abstract: An illuminated escalator combplate has a main combplate portion and a combteeth element extending forwardly of the main portion. A series of light emitters are mounted to a forward edge of the main portion, and are aligned with a corresponding series of light pipes in the combteeth element which channel the light of the emitters from a rearward wall adjacent the main portion forward edge to an upper surface of the combteeth element where the light can be seen by escalator users and serves as a safety indicator to demarcate the intersection between the fixed combplate and the moving escalator step plates. The light emitter may be in alternately-illuminated, interleaved gangs to increase visability.

Abstract: An overhead conveyance device and an overhead conveyance vehicle that can convey a conveying object, while keeping it at a minimum distance from surrounding equipment when the overhead conveying vehicle turns around during conveyance of the conveying object. The overhead conveyance device (1) is so structured that even when a carriage part (6) of the overhead conveyance vehicle (5) enters a branching part (3) for allowing the carriage part to change in traveling direction and turns around, the conveying object (25) grasped by a hand (9) can be kept unchanged in direction.

Abstract: A plurality of shuttle bars are guided in a feed direction below a guide body. The shuttle bars are spaced to fit between a plurality of conveyor belts which transport a sheet of material suspended below them toward a press. The guide body is lowered to move the shuttle bars far enough between the conveyor belts to disengage the sheet of material from the conveyor belts. The shuttle bars each includes a device for attachment to the sheet of material, whereby the sheet of material is conveyed the remainder of the way to the press attached to the shuttle bars.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed having a mechanism for driving an endless chain, which is used for driving and optionally also for supporting the article-supporting parts of the conveyor. The mechanism comprises a drive belt that engages and drives on a number of wheels on the chain. By driving on the periphery of the rotating wheels instead of directly on the chain itself, the force between the drive belt and the point of engagement with the chain is halved whereby the construction may be made substantially lighter.

Abstract: A wire belt comprising having a plurality of wire strands, each of the plurality of wire strands being linked with at least one adjacent wire strand in the wire belt. Each of the plurality of wire strands includes a first end, a second end, and a plurality of linking portions between the first and second ends. The plurality of linking portions are linked with respective linking portions in at least one adjacent wire strand so as to form a plurality of joints in the wire belt. Each of the plurality of linking portions includes a compound Z-shape formation.

Abstract: A paint roller filled with wet paint may be stored for a period of time, such a over lunch break or overnight, or for longer times, and still be useable for painting, by substantially sealing the roller while attached to the usual handle-attached, paint applicator to which the roller is mounted, in an elongate box which covers the roller and through an opening in which a portion of the paint applicator extends. The portion of the paint applicator extending through the opening is substantially sealed by deformable paint solvent absorbent material in the opening to which a small amount of paint solvent, such as water, is added to maintain a solvent rich atmosphere in the box to help maintain the paint on the roller in wet, usable condition.

Abstract: A storage bag comprising a sealable bag of a liquid and gas impermeable sheet material and a liquid absorbing sheet contained therein, said liquid absorbing sheet being set in said sealable bag with a covering sheet preventing meat or fish from directly contacting with said liquid absorbing sheet. Said liquid absorbing sheet may comprise liquid absorbing polymer powder and liquid permeable sheets sandwiching said polymer powder therebetween and being packed with the covering sheet and the backing sheet forming a package absorbing insert.

Abstract: A safety container for shipping or storing vials containing hazardous liquids. The container is constructed of a liquid impermeable outer layer and an interior layer that is embedded with a super absorbent polymer that will immobilize and stabilize any fluid that leaks from the vial. The container has an opening through which the vial is inserted which is sealed prior to shipment.

Abstract: A container of nonflammable wipes or towels is attached in a safe and convenient place within the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. The wipes or towels are made from a disposable, nonflammable material. A container retaining the wipes is made from a high-temperature resistant material. The container provides access to the wipes via an opening in the container or by removal of a container lid or cover. The container may include insulation to prevent the interior of the container from reaching extreme engine compartment temperatures. The wipes are stored directly in the container or are stored in a removable canister. The removable canister is sized to fit within the container.

Abstract: A tray for holding multiple discs within a storage container which, desirably, is a conventional single disc jewel box, includes a leaf for mounting discs on opposite sides thereof and a shelf substantially rigidly attached, via attachment plates depending from the shelf, to the jewel box base, the leaf being pivotably connected to the shelf via a hinge connection which permits the leaf to pivot thereabout for accessing discs on both sides of the leaf. Flanges cantilevered from the leaf each have an upwardly opening pivot bore for pivotably engaging a pivot pin supported by the shelf. Reinforcing plates depending from opposite sides of the shelf are spaced from the shelf attachment plates for rigidly reinforcing the shelf while permitting the shelf attachment plates to flex, as needed, to engage the jewel box base.

Abstract: The portable office includes a soft-sided case with six walls. The top and second side are openable. The inside of the case includes a terminal compartment, a fixed computer support shelf and a moveable printer shelf. A remote edge of the moveable printer shelf is removeably attached to the second side. A holding assembly holds the second side in an open position. A strap assembly holds the moveable printer shelf in a position parallel to and above the fixed computer shelf when the second side is open. When the second side is closed, the strap assembly holds the moveable shelf generally parallel to the second side with a printer between the second side and the moveable shelf.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interface between stacked arrays of containers having container tops. The interface includes a pallet loaded with a stacked array of containers and a layer of exposed container tops adjacent the pallet. A plastic coupling member is positioned between the layer of exposed container tops and the pallet. The plastic coupling member includes a contoured surface configured with an array of indentations formed therein and properly spaced to mate with each of the layer of exposed container tops. The array of indentations is sufficiently deep to prevent relative lateral displacement of the coupling member with respect to the layer of exposed container tops. A method of vertically stacking crates using such an interface is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible package for housing, chemicals such as sanitizers and/or disinfectants utilizing multiple layers welded together to form a unique laminate. The invention enables maintenance of chemical efficacy, stability and freshness. Preferably, the present invention further includes a towelette pre-saturated with the chemical housed in the unique flexible packaging to facilitate the use of the chemical product.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a tablet case which can eliminate the disadvantage that the tablets in the case are broken by mutual collision therebetween when there remain a smaller number of tablets in the case, and which makes it possible to readily take out a desired number of tablets therefrom. An elongated tablet case is provided which accommodates a plurality of the tablets. The tablet case has a case body, a cover, and knots. The case body is provided with a plurality of narrow groove-like recesses, each one accommodating one tablet, which are disposed in parallel with one another in one row along the longitudinal direction of the case body. The cover is fitted to the case body slidably along the longitudinal direction. The knots temporarily lock the cover relative to the case body every time the cover is slid by a predetermined distance relative thereto.

Abstract: A housing for suturing tools including a cylindrical housing having an upper end, a lower end, a cylindrical side wall therebetween, and a hollow interior. The cylindrical housing has a central dividing wall disposed within the hollow interior extending between the upper and lower ends. The central dividing wall equally divides the cylindrical housing into a first section and a second section. The cylindrical side wall of the first section has an opening therethrough positioned intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof. The cylindrical side wall of the second section has at least one opening therethrough adjacent to the lower end thereof.

Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.

Abstract: A pressure screen for separating a liquid mixture is disclosed, comprising a screen housing forming a cylindrical screen chamber, and an inlet housing directly connected to the screen housing and forming a cylindrical inlet chamber, the diameter of which is less than the diameter of the screen chamber. An inlet member is positioned on the inlet chamber for supplying a suspension to be separated substantially tangentially into the inlet chamber and an outlet member is positioned on the inlet chamber for discharging coarse contaminants from the inlet chamber, whereby the scrap particles are prevented from entering the screen chamber.

Abstract: A tandem shale shaker having at least a base, at least one upper shaker screen, at least one lower shaker screen, a basket, an apparatus for vibrating the basket, at least one distribution conduit, a flowback pan, a flow director, and a distribution apparatus. The upper and lower shaker screens are releasably mounted on the basket. The at least one lower shaker screen is mounted at a level below the level of the at least one upper shaker screen and underlies the at least one upper shaker screen. The flowback pan is disposed between the at least one upper shaker screen and the at least one lower shaker screen and overlies at least a portion of the at least one lower shaker screen. The flowback pan directs the screened material passing through the at least one upper shaker screen to the at least one distribution conduit.

Abstract: A unibody structure for a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, and screens with such a structure, the unibody structure having, in certain aspects, an integral body member with a portion having a plurality of spaced-apart openings therethrough, the integral body member including side portions foldable to form a pair of spaced-apart integral side members, the integral body member having a plurality of spaced-apart support openings defining portions of the integral body member foldable to form a plurality of spaced-apart supports extending from a first side of the integral body member to a second side thereof and each support of the plurality of spaced-apart supports independent of each other support of the plurality of spaced-apart supports along its length.

Abstract: The invention provides a cyclone adapted for use in a dense medium separation process comprising an inlet chamber having a tangential raw material feed inlet, a vortex finder extending into the inlet chamber, and defining a low gravity fraction outlet for a low gravity fraction of separated material, a conical section opposed to the vortex finder extending and converging in a direction away from the inlet chamber, an outlet chamber extending co-axially with the conical section and in a direction opposed to the inlet chamber and providing an unobstructed flow path to a high gravity fraction outlet for a high gravity fraction of separated material being disposed generally tangentially relative to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A bracket system for a display unit can be arranged in a tiered array, one bracket depending from the other. Each bracket includes a back portion, a base and a front portion. The front is shorter than the back portion and the back of each bracket depends from the front of the prior bracket, thereby to provide a progressive tiered array of displays depending downwardly from the first bracket towards subsequent lower arranged brackets to form a display arrangement.

Abstract: A pegboard assembly adapted for the receipt of standard hook and rod devices in both ¼ inch and ⅛ inch thickness which engages the hook portion of such devices at both a vertically disposed front plate and a horizontally disposed top plate so as to insure both firm support and resistance to lateral shift.

Abstract: A stand stores long-handled garden tools. The tools are removed from the stand to be used. The stand is unusually compact and permits a plurality of garden tools to be stored in close proximity to one another. The distal end of a garden tool is slidably received by a sleeve formed in the stand. The sleeve is shaped to contact the distal end of the tool and maintain the tool in a substantially vertical orientation while permitting the tool to generate a force which forces the stand against the ground.

Abstract: A fishing lure storage and display apparatus is provided which features transparent storage receptacles releasably suspended from a hanging rod allowing the lures to be easily viewed and readily accessed. The storage receptacles retain the lure in isolation from the outer environment thus sustaining the shape, color and scent of the lure and protecting it from crushing damage or entanglement. The receptacles can take on a variety of forms such as a flexible polypropylene pouch or a tubular member constructed from a semi-rigid plastic.

Abstract: An support rack system, which may be electrically conductive, has one or more generally horizontal crossbars. Each crossbar has a front face and a spaced-apart rear face. Each of the crossbar faces is interconnected at one or more spaced-apart locations to reveal at least one pocket. The crossbar faces are matingly connected adjacent at least one of the pockets. The mating connection of the crossbars has at least one aperture penetrating therethrough. The rack system also has one or more generally parallel, vertically oriented support bars. At least one of the support bars bears a mechanism adapted to attach said crossbars to said support bar with one or more of the crossbar aperture or the crossbar pocket.

Abstract: A retail merchandising display system includes reconfigurable components which may be assembled to form perimeter wall fixtures, standing fixtures, tiered tables fixtures, etc. A set of basic components is provided which can be assembled into the fixtures, and disassembled to create other fixtures. Each of the fixtures is preferably provided with cladding which can be used to convey a brand identity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and displaying agricultural produce and sporting equipment are provided for forming decorative seasonal and sport related characters. An elongated rod serves as the vertical support for the produce and equipment. For outdoor use the rod can be secured directly into the ground or secured to a stand that is placed on the ground. The stand further allows the apparatus to be used indoors. In use, produce or equipment is either threaded onto the rod, after opposing holes are cut into the produce or equipment, or adjustable ring platforms can be positioned on the rod so that the platforms extend generally perpendicularly from the rod to support the produce or equipment in a vertical manner. An arm platform is provided that can be adjustably secured to the rod and positioned to form the character's arms. The platform is adapted to hold additional produce or equipment as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporter container-loading bridge comprising a two-armed traveling support, a lifting gear, a traveling mechanism and at least one portal, characterized in that at least two trolleys travel on individual tracks of the traveling support on the transporter container-loading bridge with their paths crossing. According to the invention, the running track of one trolley is located above and inside the track of the other trolley, wherein both trolleys travel along both sides of their running tracks. The invention provides the advantage that several trolleys can travel independently from each other without having to transfer, rotate or surrender their load.

Abstract: A single piece injection molded flip top cap for a beverage (or any other non-beverage) container is comprised of a base portion and a lid portion. The base portion forms a substantially large opening to allow for liquids to freely flow through the cap. When the lid is in the closed position, the contents of the container are sealed within the container. By pressing up on a thumb lever, the lid is flipped to an open position allowing the contents to be poured from the container without removing the cap from the container.

Abstract: A folding collapsible bottle basket is constructed to include a rectangular open top frame, the top frame having two parallel stretchers, the stretchers each having an insertion hole on the middle, a bottom frame, the bottom frame having a frame body and two sliding tracks spaced below the frame body, two side frames inserted through the gap between the frame body and sliding tracks of the bottom frame and pivoted to the top frame and moved along the sliding tracks between the operative position and the non-operative position, stop means provided at the sliding tracks and adapted for holding the side frames in the operative position, and a handle pivoted to the top frame, the handle having two straight end rod portions inserted through the insertion holes of the stretchers and respectively pivoted to two opposite short sides of the top frame and a -shaped middle handgrip portion connected between the straight end rod portions.

Abstract: A divided storage container includes an elongated arcuate base having first and second rounded ends, and opposing inwardly and outwardly curved perimeter portions extending between the ends. An upstanding container wall cooperates.with the base to define an enclosure having an open top for receiving items for storage. The container wall has a concave surface extending upwardly from the inwardly curved perimeter portion of the base to the open top of the enclosure. A vertical divider is attached to the container wall for dividing the enclosure into separate adjacent compartments. A supplemental item holder is attached to the concave surface of the container wall outside of the enclosure, and defines a third compartment for receiving and storing items. The first and second ends of the arcuate base cooperate to stabilize the container on a supporting surface when the third compartment is filled.

Abstract: A vacuum-insulated container for transporting and dispensing beverages or food products has a stainless steel vacuum-insulated liner surrounded by a body. The body includes several cylindrical sections attached together. Expanding foam is sprayed between the liner and the body, and the expanded foam helps to prevent the cylindrical sections from detaching. A weight is placed between the body and the liner for adjusting a center of mass of the container. The center of mass is adjusted to be spaced radially away from a central longitudinal axis of the container, below a mid-plane of the container, and 180° away from a handle around the central longitudinal axis. Thus, if the container falls into water or tips on its side, it will come to rest in a position with the handle standing substantially upright. The handle can fold flush with the container and can extend away from the container for grasping. A locking means is provided to releasably lock the handle in the extended position.

Abstract: A plastic transporting container for liquids, in particular high-purity liquids, has a submersion tube (1) which extends from a top wall (2) of the container to the container base (3) and is integrally formed in the transporting container. At its end which opens out in the top wall (2) of the container, the submersion tube is provided with a screw-connection device (6).

Abstract: A jewelry case includes a base having a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall; a top cover having a top wall and a peripheral side wall; a first retainer in a slot of a rear wall of the top cover so as not to be visible from an exterior of the case when the case is closed; a second retainer in a slot of a rear wall of the base so as not be visible from an exterior of the case when the case is closed; and a C-clip which is not visible from an exterior of the case when the case is closed and which connects together the first and second retainers to provide a combined pivoting and sliding movement of a rear edge of the top cover on the base during opening and closing of the top cover.

Abstract: A combined dispensing and amusement device has a reciprocating plunger on a transparent dome for rotating parallel disks. An upper first disk on an internal rotary housing supports articles and has an aperture that can aline with an aperture in a parallel adjacent lower second disk. The upper first disk frictionally drives the lower second disk at a lower speed so that the apertures periodically aline. Alinement of the apertures permits random dispensing of articles. Dispensing is into one of several chutes in the legs of a base support. Due to the random nature of dispensing, with the inclusion of indicia, the legs can be used as part of a game. Carousel arms on the internal rotary housing can act as stops and can variably deflect articles and/or can act as an animated indicia amusement support.

Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage