Abstract: An RF power supply system (200) for use with an electrode (60) in a plasma reactor system (10) capable of supporting a plasma (32) with a plasma load impedance (ZR), wherein the electrode comprises a plurality of electrode segments (62a,62b, . . . , 62n). The system comprises a master oscillator (210), and a plurality of RF power supply subsystems (220a, 220b, . . . 220n) each electronically connected thereto, and to respective ones of the electrode segments. Each RF power supply subsystem includes a phase shifter (224), an amplifier/power supply (230), a circulator (236), a directional coupler (242), and a match network (MN/L). The latter has a match network impedance. The system further includes a control system (184) electronically connected to each RF power supply subsystem.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for etching an organic insulating film used in the production of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In a plasma generating apparatus including a reaction chamber for providing a reaction space cut off from the outside; a plasma electrode installed at the outer upper portion of the reaction chamber, receiving high frequency power from the outside and generating plasma inside the reaction chamber; a grid horizontally installed to the reaction space, dividing the reaction space into an upper plasma generating space and a lower processing space and having plural through holes connecting the upper and lower spaces; an upper gas injector for providing gas to the plasma generating space; a lower gas injector for providing gas to the processing space; and a substrate supporting board installed to the processing space to be horizontally mounted with a substrate, by installing the grid in the reaction space, injecting inert gas through the upper gas injector and injecting process gas such as CxFy, etc. through the lower gas injector, a selective etching ratio of SiO2 can be improved.

Abstract: Trench and stacked capacitors are commonly used in the construction of DRAMs utilized in electronic devices. Conventional methods of manufacture typically result in capacitor structures having relatively smooth sidewall profiles which are integrated into a capacitor structure. The present invention provides a novel method by which the capacitance density of both trench and stacked capacitors can be increased, without increasing the footprint or depth of the capacitor structure, by increasing the surface area of the sidewall profiles of the capacitor structures using an iterative etch process that comprises an isotropic plasma etching step to achieve an enlarged sidewall profile.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a method of removing at least a portion of a material from a substrate, comprising: a) first etching the material in a reaction chamber; b) second etching the material in the reaction chamber; and c) cleaning a component of the material from at least one sidewall of the reaction chamber between the first etching and the second etching.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current or temperature is provided that contains an arc plate assembly which includes a pair of insulative mounting plates having mounted thereon a set of arc plates arranged in an arcuate array generally tracing the arcuate path of movement of a circuit breaker moveable contact blade. A baffle plate is mounted between the insulative mounting plates and positioned above the uppermost arc plate in the set of arc plates for blocking arc-formed debris from projection into the operating mechanism of said circuit breaker. Mounting tabs, which are extending toward the insulative mounting plates from edges of the arc plates, are being used to connect the mounting plates with the arc plates by passing the tabs through corresponding apertures located in the mounting plates. The tabs are crimped against the exterior surface of the mounting plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow-out system for a plug-in component, for example an automatic cutout or a circuit breaker, and has a component housing (10, 20), at least one contact stud (40) arranged on a housing back, as well as at least one latching element (30), arranged on the housing back, for securing the component housing in the installed position. A bundle of laminations provided in the component for extinguishing an electric arc forming in the component has a blow-out channel (50), which is formed adjoining the bundle of laminations and leads to the outside of the housing, the blow-out channel (50) being partially limited by the latching element (30) on the housing outside.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the processing of a work piece by electrical discharge, whereby the processing is carried out with at least two wire electrodes. In the process, the offset of both the positions of the at least two wire electrodes relative to one another are determined, which positions the wire electrodes occupy upon their clamping, because of their angles of contact on a corresponding wire guide and their different wire characteristics at the level of the work piece. Further, the positions for the wire electrodes during the processing of the work piece after a change from one wire electrode to the next one are connected on the basis of the offset determined between these wire electrodes.

Abstract: A blow feed weld gun for welding a nut to a metal substrate is disclosed. The blow feed weld gun has an air feed mechanism and a nut drive mechanism. The nut drive mechanism contains a primary piston assembly located within a cylindrical working chamber. The primary piston assembly is coupled to a first driven piston which is hollow and defines a passage which welding gasses and/or air can be delivered to the threads of a threaded weld nut.

Abstract: The method of the present invention involves setting a penetration threshold as well as a maximum weld time when hot staking armature conductors to the slots of a commutator. To perform each weld, an electrode is forcibly contacted with the top conductor in one of the slots of the commutator. Next, electric current is delivered to the electrode, causing the conductor to heat and begin to deform within the slot. During this time, the electrode moves further into the slot. If the electrode reaches the penetration threshold in the commutator slot before the maximum weld time is reached, current to the electrode is terminated. After terminating current to the electrode, the electrode remains in contact with and applies force to the conductor until the maximum weld time is reached. After the maximum weld time is reached, the electrode is removed from contact with welded conductor.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for using a plasma arc torch to cut a workpiece in a cavity. The torch includes an adapter connectable to a torch body and remote torch head, establishing a spaced relationship between them, for positioning the torch head adjacent the workpiece in the cavity. The system includes a grounding member useful for operating the torch in a transferred mode, a clamping plate for retaining a severed portion of the workpiece, and a torch tip design that allows the torch head to be positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: A plasma emitter apparatus and method for using the same that includes a primary electrode and a secondary electrode. The secondary electrode is porous, that is, it is configured to permit the passage of plasma discharge therethrough. Accordingly, the plasma is received at one side of the secondary electrode and emitted from its opposing plasma exiting side. Numerous configurations of the secondary electrode are possible so long as the plasma discharge is permitted to pass therethrough. For instance, the secondary electrode may be a laminate of multiple insulating material layers with at least one conductive layer sandwiched therebetween. A plurality of apertures are defined through the laminate and a dielectric sleeve is inserted into and retained in the aperture. The generated plasma passes through one or more holes defined in each of the dielectric sleeves.

Abstract: A method for plasma jet welding by means of a free radio frequency-induced plasma beam wherein, the rf-induced plasma beam is generated by a procedure involving a second process gas into a tube so that it has a tangential flow component and the introduction of the plasma through a metal expansion jet at the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coolant for cooling a selectively heated portion of a liquid crystal display substrate to cut the selected portion using thermal stress and a method of cutting the substrate using the same. A rapidly heated portion of the substrate is rapidly cooled using water having a high specific heat or a mixed coolant in which a material for improving characteristics of surface tension, viscosity and thermal conductivity is dissolved in water. Therefore, the cutting quality of the substrate is improved, and a cutting speed is also enhanced.

Abstract: A system for unveiling embedded targets in printed circuit board substrates includes a micro-machining device, a sensor, and a controller. The micro-machining device removes portions of an opaque layer overlaying an alignment target in a general region in which the target should be located, and the sensor senses whether the alignment target is located at selected locations where portions of the opaque layer have been removed. In response to sensing the presence or absence of an alignment target at the selected locations, the controller directs the micro-machining device to remove additional portions of the opaque layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a decorating device for the surfaces of sealing caps and a method for decorating the surfaces of sealing caps, comprising a transport means for the sealing caps, a first and second sensor for detecting the transport speed and the position of the sealing cap to be decorated, and a laser station with at least one laser for decorating the sealing cap using the laser beam, wherein the control means of the laser beam is connected to the first and second sensors and the information of the sensors is linked with the control information for the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a polymer surface of debris deposited on the polymer surface as a result of laser ablation of the polymer surface using a UV laser beam is disclosed. Cleaning is carried out by irradiating the polymer surface using a Nd:YAG laser beam of a predetermined fluence. A method for manufacturing a polymer nozzle member of an inkjet printhead where the above cleaning method is used to clean a polymer film after the polymer film has been UV laser ablated to form orifices therethrough is also disclosed. A nozzle member that is manufactured according to the manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a laser processing apparatus including an ultra-short pulse laser a focusing optical system and processing a work by projecting a beam delivered through the focusing optical system on to the work, the focusing optical system has at least a pair of diffractive surface and a refractive surface, and chromatic aberration is corrected or chromatic aberration and pulse extension are corrected by making use of the diffractive dispersions due to and the diffractive surface the refractive dispersion due to of the refractive surface. With this arrangement, chromatic aberration is corrected or both chromatic aberration and pulse expansion are corrected in the processing with the ultra-short pulse laser and thereby improve the practical use and value of the processing by improving its accuray, qualiy and speed.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece using a laser. The laser produces at least one laser pulse. A laser processing unit is used to process the workpiece using the at least one laser pulse. A fiber optic cable is used for transmitting the at least one laser pulse from the laser to the laser processing unit.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus includes a stage for mounting a workpiece, which moves the workpiece along two axes which are in parallel with the workpiece, the two axes being perpendicular to one other; a laser optical unit including a light source uniting laser light for irradiating the workpiece mounted on the stage with laser light, a stage controller for controlling the movement of the stage in each direction of the two axes, a collecting lens for collecting laser light and irradiating the workpiece with the laser light; a casing for placing the collecting lens on an optical path of the laser light, and a driving unit for moving the casing in a direction parallel to the optical path of the laser light. The driving unit moves the casing and focuses a focal point of the collecting lens on the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser sintering apparatus for realizing high-speed and high-precision forming. When a first position of an exposure unit is decided by an XY-positioning mechanism, a micromirror of a DMD is turned on and off in accordance with image data in a region corresponding to the first position and a laser beam in a predetermined region including ultraviolet is supplied to the DMD and modulated for each pixel in accordance with image data. A laser beam reflected in the direction of a reflection mirror is reflected therefrom in the direction of a surface of a powdered body. A region having a predetermined area on the surface of the powdered body is exposed by the laser beam, and the exposed portion is thereby cured. Similarly, by repeating movement of and exposure with the exposure unit, the entire surface of the powdered body is exposed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of welding-type systems, and the systems, are disclosed. The power supplies are each suitable for at least one of a plurality of processes, and have “N” (an integer) power modules in parallel. Each power module produces a module output power, and has a maximum output power of at least Ppm. Each power module has a similar preregulator that receives any input voltage over a range of input voltages and/or power factor corrects the input, and they include a converter circuit connected to the preregulator. The number N is determined by determining a desired maximum system power Pd1 for a first particular system, and by dividing Ppm into Pd1. There can be two types of power modules, with different output power. The output circuit may include an inverter that inverts dc power, and/or a switched snubber. The preregulator may includes an SVT and/or an SCT circuit.

Abstract: An arc welding quality evaluation apparatus for consumable electrode gas shielded arc welding comprises a heat input detection means 8 for detecting heat input applied to a workpiece to be welded; a welding time detection means 11 for detecting the welding time of the workpiece; a spatter weight detection means 16 for detecting the weight of spatter produced during the welding time of the workpiece; a heat compensation means 17 for compensating for heat loss due to spatter occurring during the welding time of the workpiece; an effective heat input computation means 12 for computing effective heat input per unit welding time, based on detected values of the detection means 8 and 11, and a compensation value of the heat compensation means 17; and a weld quality assessment means 22 for comparing an output of the effective heat input computation means 12 to a reference standard value, and assessing weld quality acceptability based on the degree of separation of the computation means output from the reference stan

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a welding-type power supply and a robot are disclosed. They include entering a calibration mode (in the welding-type power supply) and providing one or two predetermined commands (for a welding parameter) from the robot to the welding-type power supply, and comparing them to two standards. A command scaling curve for the parameter is calculated in response to the comparisons. Predetermined commands, relating to two or more different welding parameters, may be used to calibrate two or more parameters, and to create two or more command scaling curves. Parameters that are calibrated include wire feed speed, voltage and arc length (trim). Feedback from the welding-type power supply may be provided to the robot that is indicative of a commanded output. The predetermined commands may alternatively be user-determined, or provided by a user interface or a memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming a welding-type system is disclosed. They include storing at least one welding program in a pda and connecting the pda to the welding-type system. Then, the at least one welding program is downloaded to (or a program is uploaded from) the welding-type system. The controller includes a memory and a memory input is connected to the memory and connectable to a pda. The program may be delivered to the pda by email. The connection may be wired, such as RS232), or wireless, such as IR or RF. The program is edited in one embodiment. Also, the connection may be wireless and to a remote memory (such as on a desktop or laptop).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the composition of a weld. More particularly it relates to welding using an electric circuit, thereby creating a weld puddle, and adding at least one filler that is electrically independent from the electric circuit to the weld puddle at a controllable rate to obtain a target weld composition. The filler can be added to the extent limited by practical weld puddle geometry and, thus, the method and apparatus also facilitate increased weld deposition rates.

Abstract: A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, which welding torch (2) comprises a neck portion (4), a diffuser at a first end (6) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip which extends from the diffuser, and connector means which is at a second end (8) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly: the power cable assembly being such that it supplies electricity and gas to the welding torch (2) with the gas being for protecting welds from atmospheric contamination as the welds are made using the welding torch (2); the neck portion (4) being such that it comprises an electrical conductor (10) and a passageway for the gas; and the neck portion (4) being such that it comprises insulation (12) in the form of an overmoulding of a plastics material, the overmoulding being such that it also provides rigidity and impact strength to the neck portion (4).

Abstract: Disclosed is a flux cored wire for gas shielded arc welding, which is capable of offering excellent workability and providing a weld metal with an improved impact value at low temperature. The flux cored wire for gas shielded arc welding is characterized in that a titania-based flux composition is filled into a sheath for mild steels of low-carbon steels, and the flux composition contains 4.0 to 8.0 % TiO2, 1.0 to 3.0 % Mn, 0.1 to 1.0 % Si, 0.002 to 0.02 % B, 0.2 to 0.45 % Mg and 0.15 to 0.3 % Al, by weight relative to the total weight of the wire.

Abstract: A flux-contained welding wire is provided wherein a conductive core wire can be disposed without any complicate manufacturing steps performed on a metal outer layer. Flux is filled inside of the metal outer layer. The conductive core wire is disposed nearly in the center of the flux without being supported by the metal outer layer. The flux contains 20-80 weight % of metal powder. A weight % of the weight of the flux to the weight of the welding wire per unit length is set in a range of 6.5-30 weight %. The weight % of the weight of the conductive core wire to the weight of the welding wire per unit length is set in a range of 1.5-15 weight %.

Abstract: A device for floor heating comprising a bendable, electrically conductive, thermoplastic mat (1), adapted for division into lengths and mounting of these lengths side by side underneath a floor. The device is provided with at least two electrodes (4) arranged along each side edge (3) of the mat (1) each, to which electrodes (4) a current is connectable. The current is conducted through the device, which heats up and emits heat. The mat (1) comprises a material composition whose volume resistivity increases with the increase of the temperature of the material composition. The electrodes (4) are threadlike and the material composition comprises a semicrystalline polymer, whose crystalline melting point exceeds the normal working temperature of the device but are below 99° C. and whose softening temperature (Vicat) is in the range of 45-70° C., and an electrically conductive filler material.

Abstract: There is provided a hair curling device having a handle and a barrel. The handle having grippers, an LED lens and being adapted to house a motorized fan assembly and PCB assembly. The barrel housing a heater that extends the entire length of the barrel and having at least one vent therein. Heated air from the heater is drawn through a heat sink and through the at least one vent in the barrel. The heated air from the at least one vent facilitates in drying and styling hair.

Abstract: A merchandiser for displaying food products and holding such food products at a controlled temperature has a well divided into three or more well sections, wherein each of the well sections receives a serving tray and wherein the serving trays collectively have a center line. A rear access door, a pair of side plates, and a transparent front plate, together with the well, define a food product holding cavity. A pair of supporting brackets position a merchandiser heating and control device above the well. The merchandiser heating and control device has a heating compartment, which positions three or more heating elements and three or more illuminating elements substantially above the center line of the serving trays, wherein the heating compartment includes three or more circulating fans for circulating heated air from the heating compartment into the holding cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved storage food recipient with carrying handle, for placing within tortillas, pizzas, pancakes or similar kind of food, after heating in a microwave, keeping them warm for extended time, and is comprised of two containers adapted to each other, an outer container and an inner container, wherein the inner container's walls and bottom are of a double thickness with an internal cavity between each wall thickness for holding either heated water, or a cooled equivalent fluid to retain cold condition for food preservation. The outer container contains a sealed cover that, besides retaining the temperature, will contain a solar heating panel with heating elements for reheating and preserving the temperature of the products contained therein.

Abstract: Described are heating members and related methods, the heating members being usefully for processing substrates such as microelectronic devices, the heating members optionally and preferably comprising a thermal conductive layer prepared to a superior flatness and having thermal transfer properties that facilitate rapid, agile, and uniform heat transfer, with ceramic material being preferred for its construction, and the heating member optionally and preferably including a multi-layer heating element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat treating method for heating a target substrate by means of light irradiation, in which a light irradiation treatment is applied to the target substrate a plurality of times such that adjacent light irradiated regions on the target substrate partially overlap with each other and that the adjacent light irradiated regions do not overlap with each other in the light irradiating periods.

Abstract: An electric blanket remote control system according to the present invention includes a remote control device and a base unit. The remote control device includes a case, a digital display, an RF transmitter, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor and a power supply connection. The base unit may include a container, an RF receiver, a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit, blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry. The remote control device transmits command controls to the base unit, and the base unit modulates an electric current flowing through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls.

Abstract: A low-voltage self-regulating heating device (200) for operation with supply voltages in the range of 0.1-12 volts having first and second layers (104, 106) of material, at least one of which is PTC material interposed between a first electrode (102) and a second electrode (108). Also a high-voltage self-regulating heating device (300) for operation with supply voltages above 240 volts having first and second layers (104, 106) of material, at least one of which is PTC material interposed between a first electrode (102) and a second electrode (108).

Abstract: An electrophotography fixing device has a heating roller and an induction heating device. In order to improve heat resistance, heat radiating performance and insulation performance and in order to appropriately uniformly heat the heating roller, in the induction heating device, induction heating coils wound onto a core are fixed by varnish mixed with mica, and the outside surfaces thereof are fixed by a heat resistant bundling band or a molded body of a heat resistant material, or coated with a heat resistant, insulating and thermal conductive sheet. Alternatively, the same sheets as the above described sheet are provided between the core and the coils and between the layers of the coils. In addition, the core is formed with a hole extending in axial directions or holes extending in directions perpendicular to the axial directions. Moreover, the coils are doubly insulated.

Abstract: A method for induction heating a workpiece made of a material such as ferrous material or alloy is carried out by placing a non-magnetic conductive shield in proximity to a current concentrating surface of the workpiece and exposing the workpiece with a shield in place to a time varying magnetic field. The magnetic field induces eddy currents in the surface of the workpiece. The conductive shield is placed in sufficient proximity to reduce or eliminate the eddy currents in the portion covered by the shield. At least a part of the uncovered portion of the workpiece is heated above the austenitizing or solution temperature of the material. At the same time, the covered portions of the workpiece are protected from overheating by the shield. The workpiece is then quenched to complete the hardening process.

Abstract: A bezel panel mounting system height adjustably disposed within a plastic molded case for supporting panel supported equipment having corner pieces and rails disposed between the corner pieces. Each corner piece has two legs extending from a rounded endpoint which corresponds geometrically with a corner of the case, and having two male members opposite the endpoint on the legs for mating with a female feature on two ends of the rail. The panel is supported on a flat surface of the corner pieces and rails. A crevice is disposed adjacent flat surfaces and outer sides of each rail and corner piece for a gasket. Openings are disposed on the sides and flat surfaces of the rails and corners which correspond to openings in the case and panel to receive retainer devices. O-rings may be disposed on the retainer devices between rails/corner pieces and sides of the case.

Abstract: A hinged container includes a basket having a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. A concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region are all formed in the base. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base, while the first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. A lid is hingedly connected to the first latching portion. The lid includes a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion. The first and second latching portions lock together to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.

Abstract: A lid includes a top having a cover receiving portion having a first aperture and a second aperture formed therein, a hinge positioned about a center of the cover receiving portion such that the first aperture is on one side of the hinge and the second aperture is on an opposite side of the hinge, and a cover having two directly opposing sidewalls rotatably attached to the cover receiving portion via the hinge. Each sidewall includes a protrusion extending therefrom shaped to fit within one of the first and second apertures. The cover pivots relative to the cover receiving portion so as to engage either the first aperture or the second aperture, and when the protrusion on one sidewall of the cover is pivoted towards the first aperture, the protrusion on the other sidewall simultaneously pivots away from the second aperture.

Abstract: A plastic drink-through lid of the type having a deck, a peripheral skirt, and a partially separable, preformed tab in the deck to form a drink-through hold which does not extend through the peripheral skirt. The tab has an upstanding thumb catch preformed thereon. The fold back hinge is formed in the deck immediately adjacent the tab and spaced less than about one-half of the lid radius from the periphery. This creates a very short throw which allows a user to open the tab and lock it back with the thumb of the same hand that is holding the cup.

Abstract: A throw-away plastic lid comprised of two parts. The first part fits over a container opening, specifically engaging the periphery of the container including the container's annular channel about its periphery. The first part has a substantial, half-moon shaped, central opening. The second part of the lid is attached to the first part by means of a flexible strip and provides a cover which frictionally engages the lid first part. In another embodiment of the invention, the lid first part has a brush holder attached to its periphery.

Abstract: An article storage device, which is installed in a vehicle, includes a storage section for storing an article and a shutter as a cover for opening and closing an opening of the storage section. The storage section is formed of side surfaces, a back surface and an inner bottom surface to define an inside thereof, and includes guide grooves formed along both protruded rim portions at both sides of the storage section. A shutter is bendable in a sliding direction and attached to the guide grooves. The shutter is formed of a main body bendable at a plurality of thin walled portions, and a plurality of projections provided at both sides of the main body to be fitted in the guide grooves. Each projection is disposed lower than the main body to have a step therebetween.

Abstract: A dual container having an outer container with an inner container aligned centrally within the outer container with the base of the inner container retained by the base of the outer container, each container having a separate access port.

Abstract: A plant shipping system for transporting horticultural products and the like that is both user and plant friendly. The system includes opposing trays that form the top and bottom of a crate that are spaced apart by a support structure. The support structure comprises a plurality of interlocked upstanding panels to provide a sufficiently strong plant support system. The interlocking of the panels is facilitated by slots formed in each upstanding panel. A portion of a central panel is folded over to bolster the interlocking engagement of the upstanding panels and to maintain the panels in a substantially perpendicular orientation. Each end of the central panel comprises end member that engages a portion of the outermost upstanding panels. The upstanding panels include a plurality of apertures located on predetermined portions of the panels. Support members are inserted into predetermined apertures to define rack locations within the columns for housing of plants.

Abstract: The present cover is used for permanent sealing of an oval-shaped processing hole (7) in aluminum sheet metal (8) by means of an adhesive joint. The cover consists of a circular cover plate (1) of aluminum with a concentric cover edge (2) and a ring-shaped strip (3) of hot-melt adhesive applied within the cover edge (2). The interior region of the cover plate (1) is connected to a spring plate (5) aligned plane-parallel with the cover plate at a spacing of the thickness of the aluminum sheet metal (8). The outer edge (6) of the spring plate (5) has a contour that corresponds to the shape of the oval processing hole (7) and is somewhat smaller than the diameter of the hole (7).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a container comprises a basket and a lid. The basket has a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The base, pair of sidewalls, and pair of endwalls are integrally connected. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. The base forms a concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base. The first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls and endwall intersections forms a wall ventilation aperture. The lid is connected to the first latching portion of the base. The lid has a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion of the base. The first and second latching portions are adapted to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.

Abstract: A bun dispensing device for a hot dog dispensing machine operative for dispensing buns from a bun containing element which includes a plurality of individual bun containers and a common film to which the bun containers are releasably attached one after the other, the device has a unit for pulling the bun containing element, a unit for separating the bun containers with buns accommodated therein from the film of the bun containing element and located upstream of the pulling a unit, and a unit for guiding the bun containing element and located upstream of the separating unit, the separating unit being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of the separating unit.