Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless fold-over type of conveyor belt for use in conveying relatively-loose bulk material in an enclosed manner to prevent spillage, dusting and contamination of the material and allows the belt to operate at steep angles. The belt comprises essentially a rectangular uniform cross-sectional shape having a substantially greater width than thickness. Two similar arrays of longitudinal grooves are located on the side of the belt opposite to that carrying the load, the grooves being spaced on both sides of the belt medial portion to provide a pair of hinged areas for folding and unfolding the belt. The longitudinal grooves preferably are V-shaped or U-shaped and between one and five grooves may be provided in each array at about one-quarter the belt width from its edges to provide a pair of overlapping edge flaps to cover the medial area when in folded relation.

Abstract: A device for driving step of an escalator or pallets of a moving walkway. A chain wheel has a chain wheel drive shaft and is coupled to the steps or pallets. The device includes a driving gear for being coupled to the chain wheel drive shaft. The device also includes at least one driving motor coupled to the driving gear. The driving gear includes first and second gears coupled to the chain wheel drive shaft. The first and second gears each have variable reference diameters.

Abstract: A device (1) for conveying objects (2) having at least one open end (200) (for example plastic bottles and corresponding semi-finished products throughout their production process), comprising picking-up means (20) suitable for gripping and withholding the object from inside the open end (200), and further comprising a protective sliding sleeve (7, 70) suitable for covering and protecting a pre-determined portion of the object (2) in the proximity of the open end (200) is characterised in that the actuation for picking up or releasing the object (2) by the picking-up and withholding means (20) is independent of the movements of sliding of the sleeve (7, 70), which can be raised or lowered, the object (2) at the same time continuing to be firmily gripped. The device is suitable to be used on a chain conveyor. Also described herein is a method for the use of said device (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a strip/cross switch mechanism of double-duty shredder, consists of two main bodies, machine drive device and switch knob device, wherein, machine drive device comprises: motor drive gear wheel, drive shaft, shaft coat, large strap wheel, ratchet wheel, drive key, pawl, pawl wheel, and the switch knob device consists of fork, knob arm, fork frame and knob, the rotary knob change the position of fork to make large strap wheel compel drive key move to the position that pawl and ratchet wheel disposed, when derive key intermeshes with pawl the ratchet wheel that pawl affiliated to and the fixed drive shaft of ratchet wheel will be rotated to rotates latitude paper-cutting mechanism drivingly connected to drive shaft to cut the paper to be cut in latitudinal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel plate for a fluid-based switch. The channel plate is produced by 1) depositing a photoimagable dielectric layer onto a substrate, 2) photoimaging at least one channel plate feature on the dielectric layer, and 3) developing the dielectric layer to form the at least one channel plate feature in the dielectric layer, thereby forming the channel plate. Switches using photoimaged channel plates, and a method for making a switch with a photoimaged channel plate, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train for a displaceable contact (1) on a breaker contact arrangement in an electrical power breaker, whereby a coupling element (3), displaceable against a stop (12) and arranged between the moveable contact (1) and corresponding drive element (8), is provided with an anti-bounce device, comprising a catch element (13) and a counter piece (14). The catch element (13) which may be swung into a catch position as a result of the inertia exerted on the centre of gravity (16) thereof, when the coupling element (3) strikes the stop (12), comprises a working surface (22) extending in the pivoting direction (23) to form a momentary working connection with the counter piece (14). A retaining spring (32) is additionally provided on the catch element (13) to guarantee that a rebounding of the coupling element (3) into the position corresponding to the closed state of the breaker contact arrangement does not occur.

Abstract: A push button device for an electronic device includes an annular translucent member fixed to a body of the electronic device; a push button positioned in the annular translucent member to be capable of being depressed; a light emitter for illuminating the annular translucent member; a convex semi-cylindrical surface which is a portion of a complete cylindrical surface, and is positioned on a side of a space between the light emitter and the annular translucent member; and at least one photoreflective sheet adhered to the convex semi-cylindrical surface. An axis of the complete cylindrical surface extends in a direction substantially parallel to a direction along which the light emitter and the annular translucent member are aligned. A direction normal to a tangent plane to the convex semi-cylindrical surface extends toward the annular translucent member and the push button.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for an electric power tool including an electric motor, comprising a base for fixing within the tool and a trigger supported by the base for inward and outward movement. The base has a housing having first and second compartments separated by a partition that includes an aperture. A main switch is provided in the first compartment, having first and second contacts co-operable to switch on and off the motor. A slider is provided in the first compartment and is movable by or with the trigger for moving the first and second contacts into contact with one another or apart, the slider including a sliding contact. The base includes an electronic control circuit mounted on a circuit board located in the second compartment for controlling the operation of the motor. The circuit board includes at least one conductive track for contact by the sliding contact through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.

Abstract: A method of filling copper into a high-aspect ratio via by a plasma sputter process and allowing the elimination of electrochemical plating. In one aspect of the invention, the sputtering is divided into a first step performed at a low temperature of no more than 100° C. and with at least portions of high wafer bias, thereby filling a lower half of the hole, and a second step performed at a higher temperature, e.g., at least 200° C. and with at least portions of low wafer bias to complete the hole filling. In another aspect of the invention, diffusion promoting gas such as hydrogen is added to the copper sputter plasma. In still another aspect, copper sputtering, even in the final fill phase, is performed through multiple cycles of low-level and high-level pedestal bias to deposit copper on exposed corners and to sputter from the corners.

Abstract: A two-step method of filling copper into a high-aspect ratio via or dual-damascene structure. The first step sputters at a low temperature of no more than 100° C. and with at least portions of high wafer bias, thereby filling a lower half of the hole. The initial copper sputtering is preferably performed through multiple cycles of low-level and high-level pedestal bias to deposit copper on exposed corners and to sputter resulting overhangs from the corners while depositing deep in the hole. The second step may include either electrochemical plating or sputtering performed at a higher temperature, e.g., at least 200° C. and with lower wafer bias to complete the hole filling. In another aspect of the invention, diffusion promoting gas such as hydrogen is added to the copper sputter plasma.

Abstract: A process and apparatus (10) for depositing thin films onto the surface of a substrate (40) using cathodic arc deposition. The process and apparatus (10) include a cathode (14) of target material, disposed within a vacuum chamber (12), which is powered to generate an arc for vaporizing the target material into a plasma of particulate constituents. The plasma constituents are selected, controlled and directed toward the substrate by electromagnetic fields generated by at least a first anode, surrounding the cathode (14), and a second anode positioned adjacent the first anode. Additional anode structures and variable charged screens can also be used to provide further control of the plasma constituents. Use of the process and apparatus (10) to manufacture fuel cells of the type employing catalytic layers, conductive layers, and a polymeric proton exchange membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arc evaporation source constituting this vacuum arc deposition apparatus has a plurality of cathodes, a trigger electrode, a trigger drive unit, a shutter, and a shutter drive unit. The trigger drive unit changes over the position of the trigger electrode to thereby position the trigger electrode in front of a desired cathode, and connects/disconnects the trigger electrode to/from the desired cathode in the changed-over position. The shutter covers the fronts of all the cathodes except the desired cathode..: The shutter drive unit moves the shutter to thereby change over the cathode not covered with the shutter. Further, the vacuum arc deposition apparatus has a changeover control unit for controlling the shutter drive unit and the trigger drive unit to thereby change over the cathode not covered with the shutter and to thereby position the trigger electrode in front of the cathode not covered with the shutter.

Abstract: Permanent or temporary alignment and/or retention structures for receiving multiple components are provided. The structures are preferably formed monolithically via a plurality of deposition operations (e.g. electrodeposition operations). The structures typically include two or more positioning fixtures that control or aid in the positioning of components relative to one another, such features may include (1) positioning guides or stops that fix or at least partially limit the positioning of components in one or more orientations or directions, (2) retention elements that hold positioned components in desired orientations or locations, and/or (3) positioning and/or retention elements that receive and hold adjustment modules into which components can be fixed and which in turn can be used for fine adjustments of position and/or orientation of the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and having a first end with a first electrical contact portion toward the first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an internal channel along the shaft axis between the first and second ends. The shaft can further have at least one first hole toward the first end with the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft. The shaft can still further have at least one second hole toward the second end with the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface. A housing rotatably receives the shaft and has an aperture coupleable to a fluid source and/or fluid sink.

Abstract: Although there are several inventions disclosed herein, the present application is directed to a reactor for electrochemically processing a microelectronic workpiece. The reactor comprises a movable electrode assembly that is disposed for movement along a motion path. The motion path includes at least a portion thereof over which the electrode assembly is positioned for processing at least one surface of the microelectronic workpiece. A cleaning electrode is located along the motion path of the movable electrode assembly. In one embodiment, a programmable controller is connected to direct the movable electrode assembly to move to the cleaning electrode during a cleaning cycle. At that time, the programmable controller connects the movable electrode assembly as an anode and the cleaning electrode as a cathode for cleaning of the movable electrode assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electrochemical plating cell. The plating cell includes a fluid basin having an anolyte solution compartment and a catholyte solution compartment, an ionic membrane positioned between the anolyte solution compartment and the catholyte solution compartment, and an anode positioned in the anolyte solution compartment, wherein the ionic membrane comprises a poly tetrafluoroethylene based ionomer.

Abstract: The invention includes an assembly (130) having a physical vapor deposition target (102) separated from a backing plate (120) with a layer (104) consisting essentially of one or both of molybdenum and tantalum. The invention also includes an assembly comprising a backing plate of at least 99.9% aluminum bound to a target of at least 99.9% molybdenum through a bond having a strength of at least about 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Additionally, the invention includes a method of bonding a tungsten-containing material to an aluminum-containing material. A layer of molybdenum-containing material (104) is provided between the tungsten-containing material (102) and the aluminum-containing material (120); and is bonded to both the tungsten-containing material (102) and the aluminum-containing material (120).

Abstract: A failure diagnostic apparatus for a gas concentration detecting apparatus is provided, which can early detect disconnection in a cell included in the gas concentration detecting apparatus. The gas concentration detecting apparatus is provided, which includes cells each of which pumps out oxygen in a gas detection chamber, thereby generating an electric current corresponding to the concentration of oxygen in the gas detection chamber. A heater which heats each of the cells to an activation temperature is provided. A period during which a predetermined electric current should flow in the cell after the heater starts heating is detected. A determination on whether there is disconnection is made based on whether each of electric currents flowing in the cells is appropriate.

Abstract: A pair of measuring electrodes comprising a first and a second, preferably in each case sheet-like electrode comprises an insulation layer arranged between said electrodes. One or more nanopores, which extend through said insulation layer as far as said first electrode, the surface of which is at least partially uncovered by said nanopores, are provided in each second electrode. The invention also describes a biosensor comprising a pair of measuring electrodes of this type, an electrochemical cell comprising a biosensor of this type and a process for producing said pair of measuring electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strip for analyzing a sample. The strip includes two insulating layers, a spacer layer, and a conducting circuit. The spacer layer is disposed between the two insulating layers, and configured to define, together with the two insulating layers, an adsorption port, a sample chamber, a capillary for delivering a sample from the adsorption port to the sample chamber through the capillary, and a vent for facilitating delivery of the sample into the sample chamber. The conducting circuit, also disposed between the two insulating layers, includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, conducting wires, and connectors. A test agent, reactive to an analyte in a sample, is in association with the electrodes.

Abstract: A MEA 6 having a proton conductive membrane is sandwiched by metal plates 14, 15 and they are further sandwiched by heat pressable films 20, 21. An opening 24 and an opening 18 are formed in the heat pressable film 20 and the metal plate 14, respectively so that an electrode 10 is used as the sensing electrode and exposed to atmosphere to be measured. Openings 25, 19 are formed in the heat pressable film 21 and metal plate 15, respectively so that an electrode 11 is used as the counter electrode, and water vapor is supplied to the electrode from a water pack.

Abstract: Sulfur resistant sensors and a process analytic system employing such sensors are provided. The sensors generally include a treatment or material that is adapted to increase the resistance of certain portions of the sensors to exposure to sulfur. In one aspect, an improved sulfur-resistant process analytic system includes a probe with one or more sulfur-resistant sensors therein coupled to a controller, a thermal control module, and a source of blowback gas.

Abstract: In a gas concentration measuring apparatus, a measurement substrate is provided. A conductive pattern portion is formed in the measurement substrate. The conductive pattern portion includes a signal input pattern constituting the signal processing circuit and electrically connected to the connection terminal, said signal input pattern having direct current impedance with respect to the connection terminal, said direct current impedance being 10 percent or less of the input impedance of the connection terminal; a different potential pattern having a potential difference of 2 V or over from a potential of the signal input pattern; and a guard pattern having a substantially constant potential and a potential difference of less than 0.5 V from the potential of the signal input pattern, said guard pattern being arranged on at least a portion of the measurement substrate, said at least portion of the measurement substrate being located between the signal input pattern and the different potential pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner.

Abstract: In pre-cast slab gel cassettes, the formation of pathways in which proteins can migrate between the gel and the walls of the cassette to form shadow bands is avoided by the application of a coating of a nonionic amphiphilic polymer to the cassette walls. The coating also prevents the gel from sticking to the walls when the gel is to be removed from the cassette after electrophoresis.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel electrorefiner for recovering uranium from nuclear material containing uranium. A cylindrical vessel with having a longitudinal axis has a product collector movable axially of the vessel. Circular cathodes extend axially of and radially spaced inwardly of the vessel with a plurality of generally polyhedron-shaped anode baskets having at least one face aligned with a radius of said vessel and circumferentially spaced from adjacent anode baskets and concentric with respect to the cathodes in the vessel. A plurality of axially extending metal rods are insulated from and placed between the anode baskets. Mechanism outside of the vessel rotate the anode baskets and the metal rods with respect to the cathodes, and an electrical power supply in selective electrical communication with said cathode and said anode baskets and said metal rods to cause uranium values to move between the and when current flow is in a first direction uranium values in said anode baskets and the metal rods to the cathodes.

Abstract: A V-groove mold fabrication method is disclosed. The method for fabricating a V-groove mold includes the following steps: (a) providing a matrix substrate having a plurality of V-grooves, and then forming a metal layer on said matrix substrate; immersing said matrix substrate having said metal layer thereon with an electroforming metal ion solution and forming a father mold by an electroforming process; and separating said father mold from said matrix substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting electrical signals and fluids to and/or from a microelectronic workpiece. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and having a first end with a first electrical contact portion toward the first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an internal channel along the shaft axis between the first and second ends. The shaft can further have at least one first hole toward the first end with the first hole extending radially from the channel to an external surface of the shaft. The shaft can still further have at least one second hole toward the second end with the second hole extending from the channel to the external surface. A housing rotatably receives the shaft and has an aperture coupleable to a fluid source and/or fluid sink.

Abstract: Multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated via depositions of one or more materials in a plurality of overlaying and adhered layers. Selectivity of deposition is obtained via a multi-cell controllable mask. Alternatively, net selective deposition is obtained via a blanket deposition and a selective removal of material via a multi-cell mask. Individual cells of the mask may contain electrodes comprising depositable material or electrodes capable of receiving etched material from a substrate. Alternatively, individual cells may include passages that allow or inhibit ion flow between a substrate and an external electrode and that include electrodes or other control elements that can be used to selectively allow or inhibit ion flow and thus inhibit significant deposition or etching. Single cell masks having a cell size that is smaller or equal to the desired deposition resolution may also be used to form structures.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus fills a metal such as copper or the like in fine interconnection patterns or trenches defined in a semiconductor substrate. The substrate processing apparatus has a loading/unloading unit for placing a substrate cassette to allow a substrate to be loaded and unloaded, a substrate treating unit for treating a substrate, and a transfer robot for transferring a substrate between the loading/unloading unit and the substrate treating unit. The loading/unloading unit, the substrate treating unit, and the transfer robot are installed in a single facility. The loading/unloading unit has a rotary table which is horizontally rotatable for positioning the substrate cassette in a position to detect the substrate cassette placed in the loading/unloading unit and to remove the substrate from the substrate cassette with the transfer robot.

Abstract: Applicant submits herewith an abstract of the invention retyped on a separate page in conformation with U.S. practice. The abstract is taken from that appearing on the cover of the published international application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based intermediate coating composition having excellent chipping resistance and water resistance when made into a multilayer coating film, and providing excellent adaptability with a top coating film and a base coating film and excellent finish appearance, and a method for forming a multilayer coating film using the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ball assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a ball assembly includes a housing, a ball, a conductive adapter and a contact element. The housing has an annular seat extending into a first end of an interior passage. The conductive adapter is coupled to a second end of the housing. The contact element electrically couples the adapter and the ball with is retained in the housing between seat and the adapter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a semiconductor substrate by rotating pad or blade type objects in close proximity to the substrate, thereby eliminating/reducing dishing and voids. This is achieved by providing pad or blade type objects mounted on cylindrical anodes or rollers and applying the conductive material to the substrate using the electrolyte solution disposed on or through the pads, or on the blades. In one embodiment of the invention, the pad or blade type objects are mounted on the cylindrical anodes and rotated about a first axis while the workpiece may be stationary or rotate about a second axis, and metal from the electrolyte solution is deposited on the workpiece when a potential difference is applied between the workpiece and the anode. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plating apparatus includes an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for generating polysulfide includes at least one vessel for containing the pulping liquor, and at least one oxidation promoter element including an oxidation promoter adhered by a coating material to a substrate. The oxidation promoter element may be affixed within the vessel or, alternatively, movable between two or more vessels to facilitate polysulfide generation and/or recovery of the oxidation promoter in at least two vessels.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the protection of metals from corrosion and/or fouling from exposure to environments such as, for example, seawater. The protection in accordance with this invention is achieved through the use of conductive zinc-containing coatings in combination with applied current cathodic protection.

Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant, dissolved ammonium is extracted from the waste-water stream, and is transferred to a body of secondary water. The secondary water is passed through an electrolysis station, where the ammonium is transformed to nitrogen gas. The capture and transfer can be done by ion-exchange, the electrolysis then being done on the regenerant water. Or the capture and transfer can be done by first transforming the dissolved ammonium to ammonia gas by raising the pH of the waste-water, then passing the ammonia gas through acidic secondary-water, in which the ammonia dissolves, the electrolysis then being done on the acid-water. The electrolysed, ammonium-diminished, secondary-water can be re-used in further capture/transfer episodes. The secondary-water does not mix with the waste-water stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lactate biosensing strip comprising a working electrode and a reference electrode, the said two electrodes being deposited on an electrically insulated base support, the working electrode being formed by immobilizing an enzyme lactate oxidase and an electro mediator on an inorganic graphite matrix and the graphite layer being deposited on a silver layer and the reference electrode being formed by depositing silver chloride on an another silver layer.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprising an ion sensitive field effect transistor arranged to generate an electrical output signal in response to localised fluctuations of ionic charge at or adjacent the surface of the transistor, and means for detecting the electrical output signal from the ion sensitive field effect transistor, the localised fluctuations of ionic charge indicating events occurring during a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A container carrier is provided for use with a plurality of containers. The container carrier comprises a substantially planar flexible platform having a top, a bottom, an outer perimeter and an inner region including a handle and a plurality of container-engaging portions. The handle is made by forming two generally triangularly shaped openings through the sheet on opposite sides of and equally distant from the central axis of the sheet, the material between the openings comprising a strap. Two inwardly opening U-shaped openings are formed around the ends of the strap such that the central axis of the sheet is the line of symmetry of the U-shaped openings. The portion of the sheet bordered by the U-shaped openings comprises a first hinge and a second hinge integral with the first end and second end of the strap, respectively, which permit the strap to be flexed upwardly above the plane of the platform and provide access to the strap.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a toothbrush handle with a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein at least one end portion of the handle is compressible. The apparatus further comprises a receptacle having an open end portion and a closed end portion. The open end portion of the receptacle is mechanically connected to a cap that is adaptable to receive the compressible end portion of the handle. The interconnection between the cap and the toothbrush handle forms a sealed engagement there between.

Abstract: An ink-package assembly including an ink package fluid-tightly containing a mass of an ink, and a sealing wrapper fluid-tightly enclosing the ink package, wherein an interior space of the sealing wrapper is charged with an inert gas such as a helium gas, which has a lower degree of solubility in the ink, than the air. The interior space of the sealing wrapper is evacuated to a reduced pressure of −20 kPa and −60 kPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure, as needed. The ink package includes an ink bag and is provided with a spout having a passage, and a cap for closing the passage. Where the sealing wrapper is evacuated, the ink package preferably further includes an ink-bag casing accommodating the ink bag, and a reinforcing structure interposed between the casing and the ink bag, to prevent deformation of the ink bag. Also disclosed is a method of producing the ink-package assembly.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber medical container comprising a container body 3 having two chambers 10 and 11 for storing medicaments and a partition seal 20 separating the chamber 10 from the chamber 11, and an outlet 32 attached to the container body 3 for allowing the medicaments to be discharged from the chamber 11, the partition seal 20 being openable so that the chambers 10 and 11 may communicate with each other at the time of use, wherein the container body 3 comprises a discharge-control seal 21 separating the chamber 11 from the outlet 32 and being openable at the time of use, and the force required to open the partition seal 20 is lower than that required to open the discharge-control seal 21.

Abstract: A kit includes the combination of an stand-up dustpan having a length of approximately 107.5 cm and a less than full-sized broom having a length of approximately 84.8 cm. The floor cleaning kit also includes an enclosed box-shaped container shaped to define an interior cavity into which the dustpan and broom, when they are disassembled, can be disposed, the container having a length of approximately 36.8 cm, a width of approximately 32.6 cm and a depth of approximately 10.9 cm. Each of the dustpan and the broom includes a handle comprising at least two independent sections which are adapted to be coupled together. The container includes a rear panel, a front panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel which together define the enclosed interior cavity. The container additionally includes a partition which at least partially subdivides the enclosed interior cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.

Abstract: A container may include a substantially planar horizontal base, and multiple, substantially vertical sidewalls, wherein at least one of the vertical sidewalls is a movable sidewall adjustable between a closed position and an opened position, such that an interior cavity of the container is accessible from at least two directions when the movable sidewall and a lid are both in an opened position. In one embodiment, each vertical sidewall may be aligned with an edge of the base, the base and vertical sidewalls thereby defining the interior cavity of the container. A lid may be adapted to enclose the interior cavity in a closed position and to provide access to the interior cavity in an opened position. A support structure may be included within the interior cavity to retain an item, such as a bakery item, in a substantially upright position during transport of the item in the container.

Abstract: A kite container has a barrel, a lower cover disposed on a lower end of the barrel, a carrying strap having two ends connected to the barrel, and the barrel having an upper opening to receive a bobbin. The bobbin has an annular flange to block an upper end of the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is a disc media storage and retrieval system for safely and efficiently storing and conveniently retrieving specific disc media from a plurality of disc media stacked on a central column or spindle. Modified disc media are rotationally aligned on the spindle using corresponding alignment protrusion(s) formed on the spindle and notch(es) on the inner chuck hole of the disc. Accordingly, disc media is further modified with the addition of indexing notches on the outer circumference of the disk, such that each disc within the system is provided a unique notched-index. The aligned stack is protected by a cover member that forms a disc lifting device. A disc of interest is indexed and retrieved from the stack by rotating the cover member relative to the disc stack thereby aligning the disc notch-index with the lifting device. When the cover member is raised, the lifting device separates the stack at the disc of interest.

Abstract: A storage package for multiple recording media includes a plurality of paper board panels arranged end to end and separated from each other by spline strips which allow the panels to be folded upon one another to resemble a closed book. First and second plastic, recording medium-holding latching trays are attached to the inside face of the last panel to be folded and to the panel face opposite the inside face in the folded configuration. Upstanding wall portions on one of the latching trays nest within the corresponding wall portions of the other latching tray when the latching trays are assembled together. Additional trays for holding recording media are attached to panel faces which are in the interior of the package in the closed configuration.