Abstract: An implantable infusion pump to deliver stored infusate to a desired fluid delivery site. The pump includes a collapsible fluid chamber. The pump can include a multi-stage filtration system to filter micro-emboli as well as larger particles that are inadvertently introduced into the pump system. An external member can receive the pump and provide a medium to include additional, interactive components, e.g., a bolus port, as well as provide a versatile suture structure to enable the pump to be properly secured within an implantation site. To improve volumetric efficiency, the pump can further incorporate an outlet flow passage within a movable wall of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method of desalination of sea water is disclosed and the method comprises the steps of drawing a stream of sea water into a supplying tank; passing a high pressure air via the top end of the supplying tank; delivering sea water to a pressure tank; and performing desalination via a plurality of reverse osmosis films.

Abstract: Methods of treating a high salinity liquid, such as seawater, containing boron are provided, including adjusting the pH of the liquid to about 8 to about 9.5, optionally adding a scale inhibitor to the liquid, passing the liquid through a reverse osmosis device, and recovering a permeate having a boron concentration less than about 2 ppm. One embodiment includes removing colloidal matter from the liquid using a membrane filtration system, such as ultrafiltration or microfiltration, prior to passing the liquid through the reverse osmosis device, and preferably prior to adjusting the pH of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid adsorbent comprising at least two metals located upon a support wherein at least one first metal is copper and at least one second metal is cerium and a process for reducing the sulphur content of a crude oil distillate feed containing sulphur species which process comprises contacting said distillate with the solid adsorbent to produce a sulphur containing adsorbent and a distillate product of reduced sulphur content.

Abstract: Composites for destroying chemical and biological agents such as toxins and bacteria, and methods of preparing and using those composites are provided. According to the invention, the substance to be destroyed is contacted with the inventive composites which comprise finely divided metal oxide nanoparticles at least partially coated with carbon. Advantageously, the composites exclude water while not excluding the target compound or adsorbates. The desired metal oxide nanoparticles can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxide nanoparticles include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of a material comprising antimony silicate as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions, e.g. radioactive metal ions, from an acidic liquid medium. The metal ions may be selectively removed from amongst other ions such as Na, K, Mg, and Ca ions. Strontium is particularly effectively removable in this way. There is also provided a method of preparing an antimony silicate material for use in removing metal ions. The invention further provides a material comprising antimony silicate doped with one or more elements selected from the group consisting of tungsten, niobium and tantalum. The doped material has been found to be particularly effective as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions from a liquid medium.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of CMP wastewater, including wastewater from a copper CMP process. The wastewater treatment system includes a coagulant supply tank from which an FSC polymer coagulant is directed into a reaction tank that separately receives the untreated wastewater. The coagulant may be mixed with the untreated wastewater in selected ratios to provide a desired dosing quantity of the coagulant in the reaction tank. As the wastewater and the FSC polymer coagulant are mixed in the reaction tank, the coagulant flocs the slurry chemicals in the wastewater and removes the chemicals from solution in the wastewater as a precipitate before the wastewater is directed to a clarifier. The clarifier separates the flocked precipitate from the wastewater, and the flocked particles settle on the bottom of the clarifier to form a sludge. The sludge is re-distributed back into the clarifier to coagulate inert particles in the wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter device with methods to capture a desired amount of material suspended in a liquid or gas. These filter capture methods may be used for the purification or enrichment of various sample constituents or captured material may be observed or analyzed. Alternatively, particulate material may be used as a transport mechanism for proteins or chemicals which in turn may be assessed or used. The filter device employs means to sense pressure and thereby respond to pressure changes associated with the flow rate of sample suspension through a filter, typically responding at a predetermined pressure associated with capture of a desired amount of material on the filter. Additionally, the filter device employs a means to halt or otherwise adjust sample flow when such a predetermined pressure is sensed.

Abstract: A reservoir for a water filtering system includes a tank having a separate board to define an upper space and a lower space in the tank. A water level control system is connected to the tank and located in the upper space to control the volume of the filtered water entering the upper space. An aperture is defined through the separate board and a pipe connected between the aperture and a pump so that filtered water is pumped from an outlet defined through a wall of the tank to a faucet via a pipe. A water quality improvement device is received in the upper space of the tank to ensure the quality of the filtered water in the tank.

Abstract: A method of generating photons by sonoluminescence, from a gas bubble trapped in a liquid reservoir (2) by a standing ultrasound wave. An ultrasound impulse emitted by high-frequency transducers (T1-T8) is superposed on the standing wave, the high-frequency transducers being pre-focused onto the gas bubble and pre-synchronized with the light emissions from the gas bubble during an initial training stage in which said focusing and said synchronization are optimized.

Abstract: A free radical solution producing apparatus, which comprises: a feed port (6) in which water is drawn, a dechlorination processing section (1) which produces first water by decomposing chlorine compounds in said water, a magnetic processing section (2) which produces second water by carrying out a process that applies a magnetic field to said first water, a radiation processing section (3) which produces third water by carrying out a process that irradiates a radiation to said second water, an ion exchange section (4) which produces fourth water by carrying out a process that performs an ion exchange for said third water, an electric field applying section (5) which produces fifth water by carrying out a process that applies a strong electric field to said fourth water, and a fifth water intake (7-5) from which said fifth water is obtained, produces water which has the effects of sterilizing and disinfection, and strong cleansing power.

Abstract: A simple blood separation kit that is suitable for small surgeries for single-usage to separate whole blood into blood components, the separation kit comprising: a) two reservoirs for separating whole blood into blood components, each reservoir being connected to the other reservoir via a hollow tube at an outlet/inlet port, permitting transfer of blood components between said reservoirs; b) a pump mechanism in communication with the two reservoirs via the hollow tube and for injecting/suctioning blood components into and out of the reservoirs via the hollow tube; and c) a valve means for substantially closing the inlet/outlet port of the reservoirs while the pump mechanism is in operation injecting/suctioning blood components into or out of the reservoirs.

Abstract: The performance of a precoat cartridge filter is increased considerably, compared with conventional precoat filter cartridges, by reducing the outer diameter of the precoat filter cartridge. The cross-sectional area of the internal space defined by the precoat filter cartridges is reduced as compared with the cross-sectional area of the unfiltrate space. As a result, phase mixing at a phase change is likewise reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating solid particles from a fluid. One preferred embodiment includes a tank for settling particles out of the fluid, a conical chamber at the bottom of the tank, an outlet connected to conical chamber, and a conical auger within the conical chamber. The tank may have a tangential inlet that creates a fluid circulation that exerts a centrifugal force on the solid particles to increase the settling of particles out of the fluid. The tank may have a static spiral on the inner wall that helps small particles coalesce into larger particles that settle faster out of the fluid. The fluid content of the solids removed from the tank may be controlled by varying the rotational speed of the conical auger. The rotational speed of the conical auger may be varied depending on the torque required to rotate the conical auger.

Abstract: A multimedia storage device for supporting packages is disclosed. The device includes at least two spaced-apart rails, each rail having at least one series of package supporting portions. A front retainer and a rear retainer is adapted to confine a plurality of packages therebetween. A cross-bar may be provided to secure the rails in a spaced-apart configuration. One of the retainers may be adapted to glide along the rails. The gliding retainer may include a glide portion having a central portion and a pair of wings. Each wing may be adapted to secure the glide to a rail and to enable the glide to be movable along the rail.

Abstract: A product feed apparatus for feeding a row of products towards the front edge of a shelf has an elongate track mounted on the shelf so as to extend from a rear edge to the front edge of the shelf. A pusher member is slidably mounted in the track for engaging the rearmost product of a row of products supported on the track, and a biasing mechanism biases the pusher member towards the front edge of the track so as to advance product to the front edge of the shelf. The biasing mechanism includes a plurality of identical elongate, resilient biasing elements which can be releasably secured between the front end of the pusher member and the track so as to move the pusher member along the track. The user selects the number of biasing elements to be used based on the size and weight of product to be advanced.

Abstract: A display rack for the display of merchandise packages with provisions for moving product packages toward the front. A pusher sled is formed of front and back plastic wall panels, spaced apart at the bottom, with side opening notches at the edges and downwardly opening notches at the bottom for sliding engagement with and support by a base comprised of four spaced-apart, parallel wire-like supports. The four support wires are disposed in a flat plane and serve as a sliding support for product items placed on the display rack. The four wires also guide, support and retain the pusher sled for easy sliding movement under the urging of one or more coiled strip springs. The springs are confined between the wall panels of the sled and strip portions thereof extend through openings in the, front wall panel to anchor points at the front of assembly. The four support wires are connected at their ends by welded cross bars, which in turn are supported in small plastic base members.

Abstract: A shelf assembly incorporates a divider apparatus for separating products on a shelf into adjacent rows. The shelf is formed from a series of spaced longitudinal wires and underlying, spaced support members extending transversely across the wires between opposite sides of the shelf. The divider apparatus has a plurality of divider panels each extending between the front and rear ends of the shelf at spaced intervals, each divider panel having an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge of each divider panel extends downwardly through the shelf through a gap between a selected adjacent pair of wires, and has notches to engage over the support members.

Abstract: A sectional rack that can be assembled without using any tool and fastening means includes oblong-sectioned vertical posts having horizontal slots symmetrically provided on two opposite sides, and externally gradually downward expanded connecting members adapted to firmly attach to the vertical posts through engagement of ribs provided on inner wall surfaces of the connecting members with the horizontal slots on the vertical posts, and horizontal shelves having an internally gradually downward expanded short sleeve provided at each corner and being adapted to connect to the vertical posts by seating the short sleeves over the connecting members attached to the vertical posts. And, channels are optionally hung on the vertical posts to support drawer-type baskets thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for feeding liquid to an infant. The dispenser may be comprised of a generally circular continuous ring container having an opening, outer diameter and inner bore, the inner bore being adapted for receiving a fluid. A nipple formed of compressible material, comprising a flexible tubular body having a tip end for insertion in the infant's mouth and a base end, the tip end having a nipple opening for flow of the liquid through the nipple from the container in response to the infant's sucking action on the tip end and base end being a radially enlarged flange for attaching nipple to opening of the container and a securing ring for attaching the nipple to the opening of the container. The dispenser may also have a stand or be self supporting.

Abstract: A container of storing and dispensing liquids which is resistant to tipping. The container preferably has a substantially semi-spherical outer surface. The container includes a body with a top, a bottom and a side wall which form a substantial portion of the container and which define an interior cavity. The body has a central axis extending from the bottom to the top. A lid is removably attached to the top of the body. The lid includes a dispenser for dispensing liquids from within the container. A counterweight is located in the bottom of the container and is positioned so as to maintain the central axis substantially vertical when the container is placed on a surface. The container is particularly beneficial for small children, the elderly and the physically handicapped.

Abstract: A container with a recessed handle. A middle portion of a container is positioned between a first and second portion wherein the middle portion has a recessed access area. A handle is positioned in the recessed access area wherein the handle is planar with an exterior of the container.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure is formed by depositing sacrificial and structural material over a substrate to form a structural layer on a component electrically attached with the substrate. The galvanic potential of the structural layer is greater than the galvanic potential of the component. At least a portion of the structural material is covered with a protective material that has a galvanic potential less than or equal to the galvanic potential of the component. The sacrificial material is removed with a release solution. At least one of the protective material and release solution is surfactanated, the surfactant functionalizing a surface of the component.

Abstract: A method of forming a sensor for detecting motion is disclosed. The method includes a first step (110) of providing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate (200) containing a device layer (210), an insulator layer (220), and a handle layer (230). The device layer may be patterned to form a device structure (310). A support substrate (410) is also provided and patterned, and an electrically conductive layer (510) is formed over the support substrate. The SOI substrate and the support substrate are bonded together, and the handle layer and the insulator layer are removed from the SOI substrate, thus releasing the device structure.

Abstract: A printed wiring board having a conductor pattern on which a pre-flux film of a stabilized quality is to be formed using a water-soluble pre-flux liquid. To this end, such an apparatus is used which includes an etching unit 12 for etching lands 5b, 6b formed on the printed wiring board 1, a rinsing unit 13 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1, a bubble removing unit 14 for removing air bubbles 58 attached to the printed wiring board 1 on immersing the printed wiring board 1 in a water-soluble pre-flux liquid 9a in a processing vessel 56, a pre-flux forming unit 15 for forming a pre-flux film 9 on the lands 5b, 6b of the printed wiring board 1 in the pre-flux liquid 9a using an in-liquid spraying unit 61, a liquid removing unit 16 for removing the pre-flux liquid 9a from the printed wiring board 1 transported from the processing vessel 56 and a rinsing unit 17 for rinsing the printed wiring board 1.

Abstract: A printhead for an ink jet printer with an array 14 of ink ejection nozzles 22 formed from MEMS techniques. To protect the delicate nozzle structures, a nozzle guard 80 covers the exterior surface of the array 14. A corresponding array of apertures 84 is formed in the guard 80. To attach the guard 80 to the silicon substrate 16 carrying the nozzles 22, alignment formations 148 configured for engagement with complementary formations on a nozzle guard 86. For precise registration between the nozzles 22 and the respective apertures 86 in the guard 80, the alignment formations 148 may be formed using the same etching and deposition techniques used to form the nozzles 22. To protect the fragile nozzle structures 22 from inadvertent contact with the struts 86 during assembly, the nozzles 22 are reinforced by sacrificial material 152 which subsequently removed by an oxygen plasma etch 154.

Abstract: A welding assembly including a welding gun for providing spaced welds on opposite sides of members being welded. The welding gun includes two welding tips so that both welds can be formed without moving the gun or the members relative to each other. Preferably one weld tip is connected to a force applying mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder to clamp the members together and improve the connection between the weld tips and the members. The weld gun can be used for making one or two welds while in the engaged position around the members being welded. Also, one of the weld tips can be replaced with a support that merely provides the force applying function.

Abstract: A welding electrode for welding a fastener to an object is provided. The electrode includes a housing assembly with a bore disposed in the housing assembly. A pin is disposed within the bore and is movable along an axis between extended and depressed positions. The pin is retained in the bore by a flange on a lower portion of the pin that extends radially outwardly. A spring is arranged within the bore and urges the pin from the depressed position to the extended position in which a weld nut may be loaded onto the pin. The spring has a compressed length indicative of a spring failure. A stop such as a spring insulator is arranged within the bore adjacent to at least a portion of the spring. The stop extends generally longitudinally in the direction of the pin axis. The stop defines a maximum spring compression length in a fully depressed pin position that may be caused from an improperly loaded weld nut.

Abstract: The transmissivity of an f&thgr; lens which is used as a means for converging laser light differs in the center and in the edge thereof. As a result, when the f&thgr; lens is used as it is with the purpose of crystallizing by laser irradiation, energy distribution of the laser light which is irradiated on the semiconductor film is not uniform so that the whole surface of the semiconductor film could not be irradiated uniformly. Therefore, the present invention provides a laser irradiation apparatus including a galvanometer mirror and an f&thgr; lens that can offset the change of the energy due to the change of transmissivity of the f&thgr; lens and can scan the laser light while controlling the change of the energy on the object to be irradiated. Moreover, the invention provides a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including the laser irradiation apparatus described above.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding system capable of freely controlling the dispersion and concentration of arc heat over the groove face with an extreamly narrow gap and a high strength and high quality welded joint structure which is formed by this welding system and which is capable of preventing softening/hardening of the structure, the lowering of the toughness thereof and the generation of a crack. According to the welding system, the melting rate of a welding wire is controlled relative to the welding wire feeding rate by changing the characteristic of an arc current so that the range of behavior and the transfer rate of the arc pole (the arc generating main point at a groove surface) are controlled. Further, the welded joint structure consists of a high strength steel having a superfine grain structure with a carbon equivalent of as low as less than 0.

Abstract: The temperature of a plasma chamber of a semiconductor fabrication tool is maintained substantially constant utilizing a variety of techniques, separately or in combination. One technique is to provide the exterior surface of the plasma chamber dome with a plurality of fins projecting into high velocity regions of an overlying airflow in order to dissipate heat from the chamber. Ducting defined by cover overlying the exposed exterior surface of the dome may also feature projecting lips or an airfoil to place high velocity components of the airflow into contact within the exterior dome surface and the fins. Other techniques include employing a high speed fan to control airflow circulation, and the use of temperature sensors in communication the fan through a processor to control fan speed and thereby regulate chamber temperature.

Abstract: The laser beam dump is positioned in a housing. An absorbing glass plate means is operatively connected to the housing. A heat sync means for extracting heat from the absorbing glass plate means is operatively connected to the housing and operatively connected to the absorbing glass plate means.

Abstract: The die bonder which mounts dies piece by piece on a base has a laser machining part which causes laser light to become incident from the obverse surface of a wafer and forms a modified region in the interior of the wafer. In this manner, the die bonder itself has the function of dividing the wafer into individual dies. Thus, the dicing step before the die bonding step can be omitted.

Abstract: In a laser beam source for projecting laser pulses, having a laser-active medium (10), a controllable pump device (11) for exciting the medium (10), a resonator (13) for inducing oscillation of the medium (10), which resonator has an end mirror (14) and an output mirror (15) with an orientation axially parallel to the medium (10), for the sake of projecting laser pulses of constant pulse energy immediately upon release of the laser beam source, one of the resonator mirrors (14) is pivotably supported and is pivoted out of its resonator position and back into its resonator position by an actuator (19) at selectable times (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of texturing a surface of an electrical contact including the steps of: (a) providing a first surface region for conducting electrical current; (b) providing a second surface region for conducing electrical current, the second surface region substantially opposing and operatively connected to the first surface region, and (c) utilizing beam radiation to form a plurality of micropores on at least one of the surface regions.

Abstract: An electric arc welding system for creating an AC welding arc between an electrode and a workpiece wherein the system comprises a first controller for a first power supply to cause the first power supply to create an AC current between the electrode and workpiece by generating a switch signal or command with polarity reversing switching points in the first controller, with the first controller operated at first welding parameters in response to first power supply specific parameter signals to the first controller. The system has at least one slave controller for operating a slave power supply to create an AC current between the electrode and workpiece by reversing polarity of the AC current at switching points where the slave controller is operated at second welding parameters in response to second power supply specific parameter signals to the slave controller.

Abstract: A heatable article, e.g. a heatable windshield, having a generally trapezoidal shape has a conductive member, e.g. a conductive coating, between and in contact with a pair of spaced bus bars having different lengths. Selected portions of the coating between the bus bars are segmented to reduce the difference in watt density between the coatings at the bus bars when current moves through the coating. In one non-limiting embodiment, the width of the segments at the longer bus bar is less than the width of the segments at the longer bus bar. With this configuration, the watt density at the bottom of the windshield is increased to more efficiently remove ice and snow. In another non-limiting embodiment, the coating has a communication window to pass frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. RF frequencies, to obtain information from within the vehicle.

Abstract: In a fluid heating apparatus, a heat protect temperature sensor indirectly detects temperature of fluid heated by an electric heater adjacent to the electric heater. Also, a heated fluid sensor detects the temperature of the fluid adjacent to a fluid inlet of a heat exchanger. When it is determined that the temperature difference between the detected temperatures exceeds a predetermined level, electric power supply to the electric heater is discontinued. Thus, boil-dry is restricted early with a simple means.

Abstract: In an iron tip for a soldering iron, composed of Fe plated copper or copper alloy, an outer surface excluding a solder coating portion in a leading end portion of the iron tip is plated with Cu in a film thickness range of approximately 10 to 50 &mgr;m, the surface is coated with a mixture of Al particles and flux, only the Al particles are melted in an inert gas atmosphere, and the surface is modified into a surface with a Cu—Al alloy coated layer having a high Al concentration. As a result, without using Cr plating, it is possible to provide an electric soldering iron having an excellent resistance to oxidation under high temperature environment and a high heat conductivity.

Abstract: An oven (2), such as a microwave oven comprises an oven cavity (6) having therein a rotatable turntable (8) for supporting one or more items (30, 32), such as food, to be heated. A radiant electric heater (10) is located above the turntable and overlies at least a major part of a substantially semi-circular portion (12) of the turntable (8), including a peripheral region (14) thereof and a central, or near central, region (16) thereof. The heater (10) incorporates at least one heating element (22) adapted and arranged (26, 28) to provide a higher power density over the peripheral region (14) of the turntable (8) than over the central, or near central, region (16) of the turntable (8).

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a substrate support for supporting a substrate. In one embodiment, a substrate support is provided that includes a plate assembly having at least a first heating element disposed therein or coupled thereto. A plurality of thermal isolators are disposed through plate assembly, defining a plurality of temperature controllable zones across the plane of the plate assembly.

Abstract: In a system for thermal processing of a semiconductor substrate, an RTP system employs a reflector plate which is highly reflective of radiation in a target wavelength range, and less reflective of radiation outside that target wavelength range. In one embodiment, the reflector plate has a highly reflective portion overlying a less reflective portion, wherein the highly reflective portion is highly reflective of radiation in the target wavelength range. As radiation emitted by the substrate is received on the reflector, the radiation in the target wavelength range is reflected, thereby facilitating measurement of the substrate temperature by the pyrometer(s), while radiation outside the target wavelength range is absorbed, thereby facilitating cooling of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vending food products in food outlets. The method includes the steps of providing a heating cavity having thermal conductive heating surfaces; placing a container including the food product into the heating cavity, the container engaging at least a first and second surfaces of the thermal conductive heating surfaces; resistively energizing the heating surfaces for heating the food product through conduction of thermal energy to produce a heated food product; and opening the container and serving the heated food product. The invention also relates to a portable, compact and space saving heating apparatus.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a multi-filament carbon fibre heating element, or a flat carbon film heating element, and a pair of sheets adhered to one another with the heating element held in position therebetween by the sheets. The heating element is configured in a serpentine form.

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: The invention relates to a heat-emitting handling device with a heat reservoir which can be heated by microwave radiation and has a heat capacity, the heat reservoir being a molded part of a polymer and/or resin-bonded aqueous raw material with a mass adequate for the heat-storing capacity.

Abstract: A cap is provided for covering an opening in a soda can. The cap may include a depression and a peripheral flange connected to the depression. The peripheral flange may at least partially surround the depression. The depression may be adapted to fit into an opening of a soda can created by a pull tab. There may be a gap in the peripheral flange which allows a pull tab to fit over the depression. The cap may include an inner wall which connects the depression to the peripheral flange. A method is provided of pulling a pull tab on a soda can to create an opening in the soda can, and covering the opening with a cap.

Abstract: A can end member has a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, and a transition wall. The center panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a peripheral edge. The center panel also has a step portion located radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis. The step portion has an annular convex portion joined to an annular concave portion and displaces at least a portion of the center panel vertically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuck wall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the peripheral edge of the center panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A opening assembly (10) suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly (10) comprises a main part (14) with an oval opening (16). A flange (18) is provided around the underside of the opening (16), with a height inversely proportional to the diameter of the opening (16) at any point. A closure member (20) is provided comprising an upper part (14), cylindrical body part (30) which sliding fits through the opening (16), and an engagement member (34) on its underside. In a closed condition the engagement member (34) engages against the tallest part of the flange (18) to sealingly close the assembly (10). The closure member (20) can be rotated until the engagement member (34) is not engageable with the flange (18), and the member (20) can then be removed from the opening (16) to open the assembly (10). The member (20) can be replaced in the opening (16) and rotated to reclose the assembly (10).