Abstract: A wafer container and improved door. The wafer container door has a latch mechanism cover adapted to retain and guide the latch mechanism components. The latch mechanism cover is form fitted to the latch mechanism components and may have apertures, creating a cover with an open architecture. The open architecture is of benefit for making the area under the mechanism cover more easily cleanable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus this is particularly, but not exclusively, suited for use as a mud bucket in the oil and gas industry. The apparatus includes a seal that seals the mud bucket to a tubular (e.g. a stand of drill pipe). The seal is attached to the mud bucket via a quick release mechanism so that worn-out or damaged seals can be replaced quickly.

Abstract: An animal feed apparatus comprises in combination, a circular container having a peripheral sidewall closed by a bottom panel, and at a top end outwardly extending with an integral lip. An interior surface of the sidewall is formed with an inwardly directed slope, and a lid provides an annular lip having a pair of annular, outwardly facing and outwardly extending, spaced apart ribs positioned for intimate frictional contact with the sloped sidewall of the container and adapted for vacuum engagement with the container so as to seal an interior space of the container.

Abstract: A waste container assembly has a shell with a contiguous shell side wall. The side wall defines an open bottom, an open shell top, and a shell interior defined within the shell side wall. A substantially rigid insert has a closed bottom, an open insert top, and a contiguous insert side wall. The closed bottom and the insert side wall together define an interior for refuse collection. The insert is received substantially within the shell interior with the open insert top accessible through the open shell top. A cover has a top panel, a skirt depending from a perimeter of the top panel, and a refuse opening. The skirt is adapted to overlie a portion of an upper end of the contiguous shell wall when installed.

Abstract: An organizer for items of a meal including a tray section that is mounted onet a box section. The box section has an area with openings for receiving kabob sticks, another area for storing beferage and another are for storing finger food an bulk items such as hamburgers.

Abstract: A tray being a panel with depressions where each depression is a compartment for holding a group of items distinct from items in other groups. A skirt is provided having a rim that is engaged with the rim of the tray and usually preferably long enough to conceal the underside of the depressions. The skirt is preferably paper to reduce cost. Messages such as advertisements or labels for the items in the compartments are printed on the outside surface of the skirt in clear view of the user or passerby. The skirt, being paper, is economical to replace when a change in the message is required.

Abstract: A heat insulating container having its outer surface formed of a synthetic resin such as a vacuum bottle, a cooler box, an ice box, a heat insulating cup, a heat retaining lunch box, and a heat insulating and retaining storage container capable of preventing problems such as a small available volume compared with a relatively large outer size so as to provide an increased insulating effect, corrosion of metallic containers, and inefficient washing of synthetic resin containers because the containers float in a water bath when washing; the heat insulating container having a metallic inner wall member 2 and a metallic outer wall member 3 disposed with a space portion 4 between them, the opening end portions 2a, 3a of these wall bodies being formed integrally with each other, and at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of a heat insulating layer body 1 formed by evacuating the space part 4 being covered by a synthetic resin inside container part 11 or an outside container part 12 and formed integrally with

Abstract: A spill protection device for containers of liquids includes a main body member (a) and a covering wall (1) having an opening (2). Extending downwardly from the covering wall (1) is a housing (3) which engages the rim (21) of the application container (b). The main body (a) includes a spillway (7) and a removal grip (12). When the protection device is applied, its housing (3) protects the rim (21) which is covered by the covering wall (1). The possible accidental spills or drips occur on the main body (a) of the protection device, without affecting the rims (21) of the container (b) which are protected within the housing (3) and by the covering wall (1).

Abstract: This patent of utility model refers to Arrangements introduced in a nozzle adapted to be coupled to a can containing a beverage, characterized by presenting arrangements of improvement to a nozzle for the ingestion of canned liquids in general, moldable to cans containing liquids to be ingested by means of snap-on (1) under pressure. There exists in panel (2) an aperture in a new half-moon shape (3), and the creation of two small apertures (6) to allow air into the can. There is also a new downgrading and hollowed area to direct the liquid back into aperture (3), and a new snap-on by pressure chamfered device (1.1) in channel (1) for coupling the nozzle to the can. There is a labial spout (7) provided in its internal lower base with two coupling devices, device (7.3) and device (7.4). The spout is designed as two semiarches (7.1 and 7.2), with a shape coinciding precisely with the profile of the top end of the can, destined to couple the nozzle to the can in an inverted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting bottled beverage products by promoting an individual bottle cooler made specifically for that bottled beverage product. The bottle cooler preferably comprises a container for containing ice and/or water that is adapted to have the beverage bottle positioned substantially therein, wherein regular ice and/or water from standard ice dispensers can be stored and sealed within the space between the bottle and container, to help keep the beverage inside cool. The space is preferably substantially sealed by a cap which is adapted with an opening and a sealing member that extends over the neck of the bottle, wherein the bottle can be held in substantial compression between the sealing member and one or more supporting surfaces extending substantially underneath the bottle.

Abstract: This combination beverage sleeve and coaster for cold beverages provides a new method for using a double wide wrist sweatband. Constructed from a blend of cotton terry cloth, nylon, rubber and spandex, it adapts to numerous sizes of bottles (glass or plastic), cans and other cold beverage containers, as well as glassware and small decanters. This invention is a versatile, durable, portable and machine washable product that is economical to use and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided having a wall with an inner surface defining a chamber about an axis and an outer surface. The wall has a thickness with at least one vent hole therein located substantially parallel with the axis. The at least one hole is located a distance from the axis, the distance providing an outer thickness of the wall between the at least one hole and the outer surface sufficient to withstand a stress generated by pressure within the pressure vessel. An inner thickness of the wall between the at least one hole and the inner surface to permit a crack to propagate from the inner surface and connect with the hole causing venting of the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A lid (10) for covering at least a portion of a top opening (90) of a refuse bin (81) generally comprises a rectangular panel (20) including an upper side (30); a lower side (40); a mid-section (77); a hinge end (50) including hinge bearings (54); and an opening end (60). Panel (20) is defined by a plurality of upwardly arched longitudinal corrugations (21), sinusoidal in lateral section, spanning substantially between opening end (60) and hinge end (50). An exemplary embodiment includes a bend section (13) at a predetermined lateral cross-section such that a longitudinal compressive force on opening end (60) at failure buckles panel (20) convex upward at bend section (13). The mid-section of panel (20) is upwardly laterally arched. Lid (10) includes a plurality of protrusions (45) such that a plurality of lids (10) may be stacked in a parallel relationship. The area of bearings (54) is large and preferably exceeds 10% of the area of hinge rod (94).

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is provided. The dispenser includes a flexible dispensing container that is configured to house the stack of interfolded disposable sheets. At least one side of the flexible dispensing container is flexible. The flexible dispensing container has a slit in one side from which sheets are dispensed from the flexible dispensing container. The flexible dispensing container has at least one end slit on an end of the slit. The end slit is configured to aid in the dispensing of the interfolded disposable sheets.

Abstract: A ticket vending machine includes a face panel defining a ticket passageway and a ticket outlet at one end of the ticket passageway, a side plate mounted with an axle for holding a ticket roll, a sheet-transfer cylinder assembly controlled to transfer the continuous ticket sheet of the ticket roll to the ticket outlet, a cutting unit disposed between the sheet-transfer cylinder assembly and the ticket passageway and controlled to reciprocate a cutting plate and to cut off the continuous ticket sheet.

Abstract: The above objects are achieved in an illustrated embodiment of an article dispensing apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, including a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser for retrieving articles from a storage area. In one embodiment, the article dispenser comprises a storage area for storing articles along at least one longitudinal axis in a stack, an article dispensing device for moving the end article from the stack of articles in the storage area along a path to a retrieval area, and an article identification device, mounted within the article retrieving apparatus. The article dispensing device moves the article in a predetermined pattern past the article identification device, so as to provide identification of the article being moved.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, includes a controllably positioned hose dispenser for retrieving articles from an article storage area. A hose is continuous from a first end located within a hose storage area, where the hose receives article securing energy (e.g., suction), to a second end adapted to secure to and extract a selected article from the storage area. A hose positioning mechanism coupled to the hose controllably positions the second end of the hose so as to be aligned with a given article stored in the storage area, for controllably contacting and extracting the selected article from the storage area, and controllably positioning the second end of the hose so as to transport the article to a dispensing area. The hose positioning mechanism imparts both a storage requirement and a retraction requirement on the hose as a result of the controllable positioning.

Abstract: A vending system is disclosed suitable for providing beverage products to consumers. In particular, the vending system is accessible to consumers from a vehicle. The vending system is well suited for providing beverages to consumers in multi-use sized containers, such as half-gallon or gallon sized containers. In one particular embodiment, the system can provide a variety of dairy products, such as a variety of milk products, to consumers. The vending system may be a freestanding, self-enclosed system which may be conveniently located in a parking lot.

Abstract: A blade holder includes a housing detachably secured onto a base plate. The base plate includes a panel engaged into a notch of the housing, and includes a slot communicating with the notch of the housing. The housing includes a channel for slidably receiving a pusher. The pusher includes a shank slidably received in the slot of the housing before the housing is secured onto the base plate, without additional driving tools and fasteners. A frame is slidably engaged in the housing for moving the blades toward the pusher which may then move the blades out of the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser of single-use portions of preparations for beverages, comprising a structure that supports at least one storage assembly for single-use portions provided with a discharge outlet for the discharge of the portions, at least one distribution assembly for the portions which is provided with an outlet for dispensing said portions and with a device for transferring the portions from the discharge outlet to the dispensing outlet, which are interposed between the storage assembly and the distribution assembly.

Abstract: An improved vending machine having a plurality of racks therein for dispensing products is disclosed. Each rack within such vending machine comprises a vertical, rectilinear, product dispensing channel equipped with an elevator assembly for support of product and means for elevating said support within said channel in response to consumer demand for the product. The preferred elevator assembly of this invention comprises a product cradle of unique design, which design imparts improved stability of the cradle within the channel and simplified operation as to the number and type of springs needed to effect its upward movement within the vertical channel of the dispensing rack. The unique angular slope of the cradle permits presentation of a product selection at the open end of the rack in a manner to facilitate removal of such product by a consumer.

Abstract: An improved vending machine having a plurality of vertically inclined racks therein for dispensing products is disclosed. Each rack within such vending machine has an open end and closed end, wherein the open end thereof is provided with a mechanical stop or gate having essentially no mechanical moving parts, for control of the dispensing of products from such racks in response to customer demand for product from such rack. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the mechanical stop or gate is formed of a resilient deformable material (e.g. natural or synthetic rubber or an equivalent elastomer), and includes means for engagement of a complimentary recess or slot at the end of the product dispensing rack.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles includes a housing defining a storage portion adapted to receive an associated stack of nested cup-shaped articles. The housing includes an open end that communicates with the storage portion. A cup retainer mounting base is located adjacent the open end of the housing. The mounting base defines an opening that communicates with the open end of the housing. The mounting base also defines a first plurality of mounting openings and a second plurality of mounting openings. A cup retainer is connected to the mounting base and restricts the opening of said mounting base. The cup retainer is movable between at least first and second operative positions wherein the cup retainer restricts the opening of the mounting base more in the first operative position as compared to the second operative position. The cup retainer is defined as separate stud members each including a resilient finger or as an annular band including a plurality of resilient fingers.

Abstract: A primarily cylindrical beverage cooling despiser (10), devised of two separate portions, by which collectively make up the exterior and interior.

Abstract: A dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes is described. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may be in mechanical contact with an actuator which in turn is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that on movement of said operating button, liquid, gel slurry and/or paste is dispensed simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring and dispensing device having a container cap securely fastened to a container by screw threads or other suitable means; a two piece rotatable metering drum connected to the cap by a rotatable, snap-action ring; and an exit spout on the opposite end of the metering drum attached to the drum by a rotatable, snap-action ring. An objective in the development of the present device was to reduce the height of the metering drum which is achieved by splitting the metering drum along a parting line, and then permanently joining the two parts by a non-rotatable locking snap-action ring so that the entrance and exiting openings to the metering drum are approximately ⅜ inch in diameter while the interior of the metering drum chambers vary in size to accommodate the ¼, ½, and 1 teaspoon measurement amounts.

Abstract: An automatic colorant dispenser having a compact modular design incorporating simply installed, precision stepper-motor driven, colorant pump modules, specifically designed to provide maximum abrasion resistance using advanced aerospace technologies plus exceptional operational life utilizing high quality, high precision and high reliability mechanical and electrical components. By employing advanced performance materials and space saving, compact geometric and ergonomic design methodology in the fully modular automatic colorant dispenser, up to sixteen space saving, two gallon colorant canister modules are efficiently grouped and directly connected to their respective energy-saving colorant pump modules. All component modules have been ergonomically located behind large open access panels to ultimately maintain the system with maximum convenience and simplicity.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container has a closure connected to the container by a frangible web and is provided with a unitary drop dispenser suitable for dropwise dispensing of a liquid contained therein. A hollow container body defines a liquid enclosure and has a dispensing nozzle that is unitary with the container body at a proximal end thereof. A hollow, campanulate chamber is situated at the distal end of the nozzle. The dispensing nozzle defines a liquid flow passageway in communication with the liquid enclosure and with the companulate chamber, and has a substantially uniform inside diameter. The hollow, campanulate chamber has a maximum inside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the liquid flow passageway and defines a drop dispensing aperture having an inside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the liquid flow passageway. The drop dispensing aperture is defined by an annular flange that is connected to a closure cap at a frangible web.

Abstract: A dosing device is described, in which a predetermined amount of a material such as a concentrated fluid can be dispensed from the device by finger pressure. In one embodiment, the device includes a shuttle that can move between first and second positions. In the second position, fluid can escape from a dosing chamber.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a liquid container, the pouring spout including a pliable plastic sheet defining one side of the pouring spout and freely movable towards and away from an opposite side of the pouring spout to close and open the pouring spout for dispensing liquid therethrough. The pliable plastic sheet is dimensioned such that when liquid is not being dispensed from the pouring spout, the pliable plastic sheet moves towards and into contact with the opposite surface and adheres thereto by surface tension to produce a self-sealing action with respect to the pouring spout.

Abstract: A closure and container package are provided in which the closure has an elongated orifice. A spout cover on an underside surface of the cap portion of the closure receives a spout portion on a body portion of the closure about the orifice. A snap hinge couples the cap and body. An interior surface of the spout cover forms a sealing contact with an exterior surface of the spout to form an outside seal that does not become contaminated upon dispensing of the contents of the container. An annular seal extending downwardly from a base portion of the closure seals the head-space within the closure to present vapor infiltration and condensation in the head-space. A mold for forming the closure is also disclosed. The spout may be formed such that its sidewalls outwardly bulge upon molding, but upon cooling become substantially parallel.

Abstract: A twist-type closure cap for a container, the twist-type closure cap comprising a cap portion, and a stand portion, the cap portion comprising cap body rotatably mounted on a threaded central post having a bore therethrough with a bottom portion of the post being adapted to be secured to a container such that the container is in communication with the bore such that rotation of the cap body relative to the central post opens and closes the bore, and the stand portion comprising one or more legs, each leg being dependent from the cap body and extending radially outwardly therefrom, such that in use, the stand portion enables the container to maintain an inverted position whilst the or each leg thereof facilitates rotation of the cap body relative to the central post.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing and displaying clothes having a three-dimensional, humanlike form supported by a base, the form having at least one projection from which to suspend clothing, hangers, accessories, or other suspendable articles. The form also has hands having a flat or concave palm upon which loose articles such as coins and jewelry can be placed. A tray may be removably attached to the hand. The apparatus may be adjustable, allowing the form to “grow” in conformity with the growth of a child.

Abstract: A hanger has a pinch-grip including a pair of vertically-extending components, a biasing spring, and a connector separate and distinct from the biasing spring. The connector pivotably secures together the upper ends of the components for movement, prior to application of the biasing spring to the components, between a substantially unfolded orientation, wherein the components lie in a common plane, and a substantially folded orientation, wherein the components are generally parallel. The connector is integrally molded with the components and configured and dimensioned to lie between the upper ends thereof when the components are in the folded orientation, without substantially inhibiting movement of the upper or lower ends between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A hanger has a pinch-grip including a pair of vertically-extending components, a biasing spring, and a connector separate and distinct from the biasing spring. The connector pivotably secures together the upper ends of the components for movement, prior to application of the biasing spring to the components, between a substantially unfolded orientation, wherein the components lie in a common plane, and a substantially folded orientation, wherein the components are generally parallel. The connector is integrally molded with the components and configured and dimensioned to lie between the upper ends thereof when the components are in the folded orientation, without substantially inhibiting movement of the upper or lower ends between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at the entry, a carousel (10) with several stations, a sock positioning unit (30), a sock tucking up unit (40) and a withdrawing and loading robot (50). The carousel has heads (11) carrying elongated supports (12) on which socks (2) are put partially or completely. The heads (11) rotate integrally to the carousel (10) carrying the elongated supports (12) through four following stations and respectively a station at the entry (2) for opening the socks and putting them onto the elongated supports (12), a positioning station (3), a tucking up station (4) and a withdrawing station (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap (6, 30) for closing an opening in a liquid container (1). Such as a bottle or a small vessel which cap (6, 30) is provided with coupling means (4, 9) for coupling the cap (6, 30) to the liquid container (1), comprising a top element (7, 32) and an outer skirt (8, 33) connectable to the top element (7, 32). The outer skirt (8, 33) of the cap (6, 30) is provided with a projecting part (14) for fixing the cap (6, 30) to an object.

Abstract: A wire-type bottle holder including provision for attachment to a golf club bag or belt loop of a user. The holder comprises a single length of wire with at least the bottle-engaging part thereof coated with a layer of synthetic resinous material with the remaining portion enclosed within a synthetic resinous tube. The free ends of the wire are bent to form a loop which retains an attachment means.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for supporting a motorcycle in a storage and transport position inside an enclosed trailer. A support frame is attached to the ceiling trusses of the trailer. A telescopic arm extends downward from the support frame to connect to a cross arm including hooks and straps that attach to the motorcycle to secure the motorcycle in place. A strengthening brace is interconnected between the opposite side of the support frame and an intermediate position on the telescopic arm.

Abstract: A sports equipment carrier for a vehicle including a rack structure adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and an equipment securing portion. The equipment securing portion includes a clamping mechanism and an adjustment member, where the clamping mechanism includes a housing and is operable between open and closed configurations. Operation of the clamping mechanism shifts the adjustment member into and at least partially out of the housing so that the adjustment member is accessible to a user in the open configuration and inaccessible to a user in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for isolating strips (S1-S12) conveyed next one another in their lengthwise direction, particularly metal strips, having at least one separating unit (N) extending in an axial direction (X), in which each strip (S1-S12) is assigned one guide (F10-F25), which guides each of the strips (S1-S12), inserted in it using positive fit, in a different plane (E1, E2), running essentially parallel to the lengthwise axis (L) of the separating unit (N), than each of the guides (F10-F25) positioned neighboring it. The isolating device disclosed is constructed simply and allows reliable, time-saving isolation of the strips. In addition, advantageous uses of such a device are indicated.

Abstract: A combustion-powered tool having a workpiece contacting element movable relative to the tool as the tool is depressed prior to firing includes a spark unit having a high voltage spark supply for providing an ignition spark, a printed circuit board having a first portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to the high voltage spark supply, and a second portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to both an actuator switch and a trigger switch, the switches and the spark supply being electrically connected so that to enable firing, the workpiece contact element actuates the actuator switch, which then enables activation of the trigger switch. A unitary actuator has a fixed end, a movable end engageable by movement of the workpiece contact element and a middle portion for engaging the actuator switch upon movement of the movable end caused by depression of the tool against a workpiece.

Abstract: A method of producing fastening elements and which includes placing, in a pin guide of a setting tool, an element having a first, tip-carrying stem section and a second stem section having a hardness lower than that of the first stem section, and forming during a setting process effected by a piston (21) of the setting tool, with the piston, a head (16,161) at a free end (15) of the second stem section (13) of the element (10) and having a diameter (17) greater than a diameter (18) of the second stem section, so that a fastening element (19,191) is produced, a fastening element produced by the method; and a setting tool for driving a fastening element formed in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A cap connection cord for connecting caps includes a ring connected to a first end of the cord and the cord frictionally fits in the hole in each of the caps. The pile of caps is conveniently put in a cylinder attached to the stapling gun and the cord can be pulled out from the central holes of the caps.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and taught herein relates to a powered fastener driving tool particularly suited for driving straight line fasteners, such as nails or straight line pins into a work piece. A hand held fastener driving tool as particularly described herein, may be used to drive straight line pins, nails and/or staples into a work piece. A magnet is placed within the fastener driving head that magnetically attracts the lead fastener of a soldier course strip of fasteners thereby securing the lead fastener, and trailing strip of fasteners, within the driving tool thereby preventing the possibility of the tool jamming by a fastener not aligning horizontal within the tool and/or its supply magazine.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a pull test in order to determine the resistance of a bonded wire connection to tractional force, comprising a bonded-wire loop (5) between the two bonded contacts on a substrate (1), with a traction hook (7) that can be controllably inserted under the wire loop, a drive device that is connected to the hook and generates a tractional force directed substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface, a force-measurement device (21) associated with the hook to detect the tractional force at each moment, and a recording device connected to the force-measurement device in order to record a breaking-force value for the bonded-wire connection, wherein the force-measurement device (21) is disposed substantially coaxially with the tractional-force vector and detection means (40, 50, 90, 100) to detect the highest point of the bonded-wire loop are provided, as well as position control means (20, 30) for the automatic positioning of the traction hook, and hence the point of origin of the trac

Abstract: A soldering iron comprises a tip end; a heater portion for electrically heating the tip end of the soldering iron; a holding portion provided at the rear end of the heater portion: a heat pipe structure provided in the holding portion; a first heat pipe holder for holding a frontal portion of the heat pipe structure to which heat generated at the heater portion is transferred; a second heat pipe holder for holding a rear part of the heat pipe structure; and a grip portion placed externally around the first heat pipe holder.

Abstract: Optimum bond parameters for a bond force FB and an ultrasonic variable P and, optionally, at least one further bond parameter of a Wire Bonder can be determined by means of a method with the following steps:

Abstract: A conductive adhesive material characterized by metallurgical bonds between electrically-conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix of the material. The polymer matrix has a fluxing capability when heated to reduce metal oxides on the surfaces of the particles. At least the outer surfaces of the particles are formed of a fusible material, so that sufficiently heating the conductive adhesive material will reduce metal oxides on the particles, and at least partially melt the fusible metal, enabling the particles to metallurgically bond to each other and to metal surfaces contacted by the adhesive material.

Abstract: In order that, on wire bonding by means of a Wire Bonder, optimum bonding results can be achieved after a capillary change it is suggested that, after a change from a first capillary to a second capillary, the ultrasonic transducer which applies ultrasonics to the horn which guides the capillary is controlled with a parameter P2 which results from the parameter P1 before the capillary change as P2=g(k1, k2)*P1 or P2=g(k1, k2, A1, A2)*P1 or P2=g(k1, k2, A1, A2, H1, H2)*P1, whereby the quantities k1 and k2 designate the estimated values for the flexural strength, the quantities A1 and A2 the amplitudes of the freely oscillating capillary and H1 and H2 the diameters in the narrowest part of the longitudinal drill hole of the first or second capillary and whereby the function g is a predetermined function.