Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a two-stage gasification process using a gas generator for the recovery of strongly alkaline chemicals and energy value from a cellulose spent liquor. The temperature in the first reaction zone of the gas generator is maintained between 1000 C. and 1400 C. by the controlled addition of an oxygen containing gas. A strongly alkaline smelt comprising alkali oxide, alkali hydroxide, alkali carbonate and alkali borate's corresponding to at least 75% by weight of the smelt is recovered from below the first reaction zone of the gas generator. A gaseous components stream formed by exothermal reactions in the first reaction zone are directed to a second reaction or gas transfer zone of substantially of updraft or up-flow design, wherein the gaseous stream is cooled to a temperature below about 1000 C, said cooling preferably achieved by endothermal decomposition of cellulose spent liquor injected into the gaseous stream.

Abstract: A boss (30) for use in a shutter having blades, the boss including an axial pin about which the boss is adapted to rotate, a complementary surface adapted to engage a translating member such as a toothed rack, a bearing surface adapted to rest in or on a support in the shutter assembly and blade engaging means (48). A shutter assembly and blade configuration are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding door for selectively opening and closing an opening is disclosed. The door is comprised of a door panel having a top, a bottom, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door panel translates laterally relative to the opening between a closed position and an open position. The door has a guide, a guide follower, and a reset member. The guide is mounted to a mounting surface located between the upper and lower extent of the opening, and comprises a first end disposed proximate the opening and a second end opposite the first end. The guide follower is attached to the door panel and disposed in operable engagement with the guide. The reset member is disposed proximate the second end of the guide. The reset member has a surface that is angularly oriented to facilitate operable engagement and alignment of the guide follower with the guide.

Abstract: An automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle of rack-and-pinion type is reduced in size and weight. The automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is automatically opened/closed, by transmitting rotation of an electric motor to a back door through a drive power transmitting mechanism comprising a pinion and a rack. The rack is supported linearly reciprocably by a slide mechanism comprising a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block is formed to be sufficiently short to the entire length of the rack and the guide rail is accordingly formed to be short. Further, the rack is provided with a groove portion, and a holding member contacting with a holding face is disposed in the groove portion. Then, an interval between the rack and the opinion is maintained by the holding member, whereby engagement of the pinion therewith is ensured.

Abstract: A vehicle window glass includes a side edge, a top edge which is oblique with respect to the side edge, and an adjustment feature for the window glass which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the top edge of the window glass. The adjustment feature can be an oblong hole in the window glass or a slideway bonded to the window glass. The window glass can be finely adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, ensuring the top edge always follows the same oblique line. This reduces the number of steps involved in adjusting the window glass once installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: Upper and lower window strips each define an elongate panel receptacle of generally rectangular configuration for receiving an edge portion of a structural panel in tight fitting serration retained relation therein. The window track strips each define wall structures forming a pair of window guide tracks thereby allowing a pair of window panels to be moved in sliding fashion along the guide tracks to open or close the windows. The top window track strip defines window guide tracks that are deeper than the bottom window guide tracks to permit the window panels to be upwardly and laterally for removal. Rainwater collected within the bottom guide tracks will drain away at the ends of the window guide tracks or may drain via drain holes. The bottom window guide track structure is provided with a resilient strip to protect objects such as guns, camera lenses and the like that contact the guide track strip.

Abstract: A weather strip mounted in a door open edge of a vehicle body has a hollow sealing portion 16, the section of which is roughly U-shaped, consisting of the second hollow portion protruding from the, side of the attaching portion 13 attached by being inserted into the flange 5 of the door open edge 2, and the first hollow portion 15 protruding from the corresponding hollow portion 14, wherein the hollow sealing portion 16 has the outer side at the side having a portion, with which the door 1 is brought into contact, made into a smoothly continuously curved surface at the first and second hollow portions 14 and 15 without any discontinuous points, and when the door is closed, the door front edge pushes to collapses the entire hollowing sealing portion 16 without being pushed down while sliding on the smoothly curved surface, and the door can be closed without requiring any large force with the deformation of the hollow sealing portion reduced, thereby improving closure of the door.

Abstract: A seal (1) for refrigerator furniture units and the like, able in particular to compensate for manufacturing tolerance, is intended in particular for that kind of furniture unit in which the door (30) is preformed with an inner door (31) provided perimetrally with a male element (10), such as a projection, suitable for receiving a female seat (11) formed on the seal (1).

Abstract: A service door assembly for a recreational vehicle including a sidewall defining an opening, the sidewall including an inner panel, an outer panel and a cavity therebetween filled with an insulation material. The service door assembly includes a door frame and a door. The door frame is adapted to be disposed in the opening. The door is mounted to the door frame. The door includes an inner member and an outer member connected with a securing arrangement including one or more teeth. The frame similarly includes an inner member and an outer member with a securing arrangement having one or more teeth.

Abstract: Abrasive tools contain abrasive grains oriented in an array according to a non-uniform pattern having an exclusionary zone around each abrasive grain, and the exclusionary zone has a minimum dimension that exceeds the maximum diameter of the desired grit size range for the abrasive grain. Methods for designing such a self-avoiding array of abrasive grain and for transferring such an array to an abrasive tool body are described.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization (or other polishing) are described which afford high tantalum to copper selectivity in copper CMP and which are tunable (in relation to polishing performance). The composition comprises an abrasive and an N-acyl-N-hydrocarbonoxyalkyl aspartic acid compound and/or a tolyltriazole derivative.

Abstract: A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization (or other polishing) are described. The composition comprises an abrasive and a tricine-type or bicine-type compound. The composition possesses high selectivities for removal of copper in relation to tantalum and dielectric materials whilst minimizing local dishing and erosion effects in CMP. The composition may further comprise an oxidizing agent in which case the composition is particularly useful in conjunction with the associated method for metal CMP applications (e.g., copper CMP).

Abstract: An acidic aqueous slurry composition comprising silica abrasive particles, an oxidizer, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide; and acid having a maximum pKa of about 2.5; and water is provided along with its use for polishing.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for chemically mechanically polishing a substrate, including a polishing accelerator, which is normally one or more oxidizers, an abrasive material, and chelating particles and/or metal-absorbent clay material. In addition, the invention can also involve methods of forming chelator particles and methods of separating metal-containing ions from polishing and/or etching solutions after polishing and/or etching.

Abstract: Method of making abrasive compositions comprised of water-insoluble abrasive polishing agents suspended in an aqueous medium in combination, which avoids the need and associated cost of dry milling the abrasive particle content, and products thereof. In particular, the abrasive compositions made by the method contain appropriately sized abrasive particles provided without the need for drying or dry milling, while also providing an abrasive composition which is Theologically stable, settling-resistant, and re-agglomeration resistant, even during and after transport and/or storage before end-use, such as incorporation into dentifrice formulations or other oral cleaning compositions.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured self-flashed curb assembly for rooftop daylighting systems is provided. The curb assembly includes a curb defining a clear opening therein of predetermined dimensions for use in attachment to roof trusses having common and standard inter-spacing. The curb includes beams having at least two apertures therethrough for receipt of roof attachment fasteners. Also included is a flashing skirt carried by the outside perimeter of the rectangular curb, for a complete, water-tight assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible shelter to be used in conventional truck beds. The shelter is comprised of a horizontal base that straddles the truck bed and a frame that pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truck bed. The frame is comprised of a rear A-shaped frame, a front support post and a ridge pole. The apparatus has bunks slidably, or hingedly, attached to the base that move from a first position on top of the base to a second position whereby they extend horizontally out and away from the side walls of the truck. Angled support members support the bunks in their horizontal position. A shell stretches over the frame and around the bunks. Quick erection of the shelter is facilitated by the pivoting frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the sight and sound barriers of this invention have a flexible sheet of lightweight, resilient foam as a core. This core is covered by a fabric or other suitable covering to further enhance the acoustic properties and to make the walls attractive. In this embodiment the core of polyethylene, polystyrene, urethane, or a mosaic thereof, for example, is made flexible with alternating wall and hinge portions. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the barriers or panels are formed with mitered grooves to allow the panel to be bent into larger degree corners, such as 90 degrees in one direction or 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Preferably the grooves have a depth extending substantially through the thickness of the core. In one embodiment, the covering material on one side of the panel is laid into the groove so that the covering material of a wall portion approaches, or preferably touches, the covering material on the opposite side.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stanchion or post that includes an upper vessel that may be used as a planter, ashtray, or other purposes, thereby enhancing utility and/or decorative affect.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: Double-glazed thermoinsulated external wall particularly for windows or the facade of buildings, constituted by an outer pane and an inner pane, parallel to one another and defining a space, characterized in that it comprises a forced air circulation unit in said space.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins, includes a polymer plastic elongate body having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis. An integrally formed first connector and second connector extend parallel to the longitudinal axis for the entire length of the elongate body. The first connector has an opening facing the first side. The second connector has an opening facing the second side. Integrally formed anchoring wings underlie the elongate body, with a first side of each anchoring wing protruding past the sides of the elongate body. The second side of each of the anchoring wings merge into a vertical plane positioned along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

Abstract: A structure of raised access floor for networks comprises: a plurality of floor units and a plurality of supporting seats; wherein each of the supporting seats is composed of a crossed member and four pedestals integrally connecting therewith; the crossed member is located to be lower than the tops of the pedestals, and has between every two neighboring pedestals at least a separating piece; thereby, four floor units separated mutually have their positions limited by the separating pieces after folded flanks of the floor units are received in the crossed member, and the floor units can be clung evenly on the tops of the pedestals. The structure is suitable for use for network-line laying out in a house or an office etc.

Abstract: An assembly, a system and a method provide a magnetic image assembly to mount on a garage door having printed designs, pictures and/or indicia wherein the use of more than one of the covers creates an image on the garage door. The assembly, the system and the method create images which may be seasonal or festive themes, celebratory salutations and/or personal messages. The magnetic cover assembly provides an image which forms a decorative design and/or a personal message on the garage door panels. The magnetic image assembly has a magnetic backside for attaching to the garage door and a front side for receiving printed designs, pictures and/or indicia. The front side of the magnetic image assembly may have glow in the dark material creating a magnetic image assembly which may be more visible in dark surroundings. The front side of the magnetic image assembly may have a light reflective material creating a magnetic image assembly which is visible when light is directed upon the light reflective material.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for securing a rafter to a sidewall in a bin having horizontal sidewall corrugations has a bracket having first and second attachment portions at right angles to each other. The first portion has a plurality of parallel horizontal corrugation adapted to nest in the parallel horizontal corrugations in an upper portion of a bin sidewall. The second portion extends upwardly and inwardly from the first portion to be secured to the lower end of an inclined rafter that supports a conical shaped roof for the bin.

Abstract: A door is constructed with a separate member joined to the door edge by a tongue-and-groove coupling and screws so as to be readily removable and replaceable. The separate member sustains the impacts imparted to the door by carts or wagons pushed past the door and can be readily replaced when damaged, thus avoiding replacement of the entire door. A flexible cover snaps over the outer surface of the separate member to add impact resistance and aesthetic appeal. Intumescent strips may be inserted inside or outside of the cover to enhance sealing between the door, and at the adjacent door or door frame, thereby improving the fire resistance rating of the door. Accent strips or reveals of contrasting or complementary colors may be incorporated to add to the aesthetic appeal of the door. The door construction is of particular utility in schools, health care facilities and other institutions.

Abstract: A joint for a trim panel comprising a first and second outer cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a connector portion formed therein, and a connector platform. The connector platform comprises a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first connector portion connected to the first outer cover connector portion and the second connector portion is connected to the second outer cover connector portion.

Abstract: The joining device serves for connecting two adjacent individual elements (5, 11) of a sheet pile retaining wall which are to be pile-driven in each case, e.g. for connecting two adjacent pipes of a sheet piling. The first joining element comprises a button strip (9) which is received in a hollow space (15) between two hook strips (14) of a second joining element (2). In order to be able to better absorb tensile forces occurring during driving, the first joining element (2) comprises holding portions, e.g. holding strips (16) which at least partly encompass the hook strips (14) of the second joining element (3) and thus prevent a widening of the hook strips during driving.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reinforcing member, which comprises a woven body formed by a weaving process, or a tape-shaped or sheet-shaped body, having a high ductility and high bendability. The reinforcing member is adapted to be installed on a surface of a structure member or a boundary portion of the structure member, or inside a structure member, to reinforce the structure member. The woven body, or a tape-shaped or sheet-shaped body, has a Young's modulus equal to or less than that of the structure member, and a tensile fracture strain of 10% or more. The Young's modulus of the reinforcing member is preferably in the range of 1/2 to 1/20, more preferably 1/5 to 1/10, of that of the structure member. Specifically, the Young's modulus of the woven body is preferably in the range of 500 to 50000 MPa, more preferably 1000 to 10000 MPa. The present invention also provides a reinforced structure using the above reinforcing member.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and useful process for emergency roof repair to a home damaged by weather or strife. The invention includes plastic sheeting, roofing nails, claw hammer, bungie ties, utility knife, safety goggles, work gloves, and tool belts. The components function together pursuant to the prescribed process to effect repair. Sheeting is rolled on a sturdy cardboard core which permits the user to pull the proper length of sheeting from the roof-mounted box. The sheeting is secured to the damaged area with the plastic capped roofing nails or elasticized bungie ties on the anchoring bands of the sheeting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a panel, in particular floor panel, having a core made of a woodbased material and having a decoration applied to a visible side, the visible side being provided, on at least one side edge (I, II), with a chamfer running at an angle thereto, and the chamfer likewise being provided with a decoration, characterized in that a relief is stamped into the surface of the chamfer.

Abstract: An erection unit for a building floor slab is disclosed, which includes a load-bearing member for lifting the floor slab. Said load-bearing member is higher than a plane where the floor slab lies and fixed in a wall and connected with the floor slab by the aid of a traction member. A method for erecting the floor slab with said erection unit is disclosed, which includes the following processes: installing the floor slab mould; connecting the upper end of the traction member to the load-bearing member above the floor slab; placing the lower end of the traction member on the height where the floor slab is located; then pouring concrete; dismantling the mould and installing the next lower layer after the floor slab has hardened; taking off the traction member after the floor has solidified to a strength enough to support its deadweight.

Abstract: A thermal wall system for slowing heat transfer through walls. The system includes horizontal top and bottom tracks, horizontal top and bottom plates, and vertical studs mounted to and extending between the top and bottom plates. The top tracks and plates have flanges that extend downward. The bottom tracks and plates have flanges that extend upward. The width of the plates fits within the width of the tracks. Top and bottom tracks and plates are respectively nested along their webs and one flange to form a longitudinal opening between their respective opposing flanges. Rigid insulation may be disposed in the longitudinal opening. Thermal framing components may also be provided, extending between the top and bottom plates, to support vertical edges of insulation sheets. Thermal end caps may be used to treat the terminal edges of insulation.

Abstract: A floor perimeter safety rail arrangement for the protection of workers on a cement floor. The cement floor has an upper surface thereon upon which they are working. The rail arrangement comprises a cement encasable hollow receiving base having a lower end for welded attachment to an “I” beam support surface and a “floor-even” upper end arranged to be even with the upper surface of the cement floor; a stanchion post removably securable onto the receiving base; and a locking arrangement for temporarily securing and unlocking the stanchion post with respect to the receiving base; wherein the base comprises a means for temporarily securing the stanchion to the upper surface of the floor, wherein the “floor-even” upper end of the base also comprises a means for leaving a flat planar floor where nothing extends beyond the upper surface of the floor upon removal of the stanchion from the base encased within the cement floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive pin having a shank and a head asymmetrically disposed relatively to said shank. It also relates to a wall anchor assembly comprising a wall anchor adapted to be inserted in a wall for firmly maintaining the wall anchor assembly thereon; a passageway along the wall anchor; and a drive pin adapted to be inserted in the passageway and having a head providing, upon rotating the drive pin inserted in the passageway, a variable distance between the periphery of the head and an object mounted proximate thereto.

Abstract: A a crown molding assembly is provided. The crown molding assembly includes a wall portion and a ceiling portion meeting along a perimeter of a room or portion thereof. The crown molding assembly further includes a plurality of ceramic wall tiles secured to the wall portion proximal to the ceiling portion. A plurality of ceramic bridging tiles, each positioned adjacent one of the ceramic wall tiles, extends toward the ceiling portion. The ceramic wall tiles and the ceramic bridging tiles together form crown molding segments positioned along at least a portion of the perimeter of the room.

Abstract: A tailored blank article having a lead-in opening structure, which is free from water leakage even through a lead-in opening is located at a step formed on one surface of the tailored blank article consisting of two metal plates with different thicknesses butt-welded together. The lead-in opening structure includes a recessed portion formed in the stepped surface of the tailored blank article along a peripheral edge of the opening, a sealing material filled in the recessed portion to undergo leveling of the peripheral edge of the opening including the step, and a seal plate covering the sealing material and attached to the tailored blank article.

Abstract: A method to provide a self-supporting pre-fabricated structure framework, for the building industry, comprising main uprights (3) formed by extruded sections having outside a plurality of longitudinal grooves (3?), in which connecting elements (5,6,7) are put at predetermined knots. Each connecting element (5,6,7) has a first portion (13), that engages and locks into one of the grooves (3?), and a second portion (13?) that protrudes from said groove (3?). The main uprights (3) are connected to each other through the use of main girders (4) having outside a plurality of longitudinal grooves (4?) in which engage said second portions (13?) of said connecting elements (5,6,7) engage and are locked. Further uprights (14,14a) and/or secondary girders (15) can be connected having the same width of said uprights (3) and main girders (4).

Abstract: A tile overlay system and method for covering a defined base surface area with tiles of a predetermined size for placement in a predetermined pattern that forms a space between each tile. The tiles are placed according to a grid defined on the base surface area to form the predetermined pattern. Prior to placement of the tiles, a transparent liquid adhesive is applied over the base surface area which allows the grid to appear through the layer of liquid adhesive. While the adhesive is in the liquid form, a granular filler material is broadcasted in the space between the tiles. The granular filler material is absorbed into the liquid adhesive to integrally bond therewith wherein the adhesive layer cures after the placement of the tiles, and after placement of the granular filler material thereby bonding the tiles and the granular filler material to the base surface area.

Abstract: A method of creating a roof venting space includes assembling a plurality of roof rafters where at least one end of the plurality of roof rafters are assembled to a surface to define a space between the one end of the plurality of roof rafters and the surface, attaching roof sheathing to the outside of the plurality of roof rafters where the roof sheathing covers the space creating a continuous internal ducting space, and connecting a vent to the continuous internal ducting space.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A mechanic's body support including first and second horizontally-oriented and spaced apart base rails and first and second spaced-apart support rails. Each of the support rails has one end connected to a respective one of the first and second base rails. Each support rail also extends upwardly from and is in vertical alignment with the base rails for supporting a mechanic as he kneels in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. A chest pad and a knee pad are mounted in spaced-apart relation between the support rails for securing the support rails in a fixed, spaced-apart relation, and for supporting the chest and knees of the mechanic while in the kneeling position, thus allowing the skeletal structure of the body to support the weight, rather than the back and leg muscles.

Abstract: Plasterboard is surfaced with a lining paper which is printed over the whole of one face of the board using an ink containing binder and particulate solid material, applied with a density of print such that under optically examination at least 80% of the surface of the lining paper is covered by the applied print. The particulate material has a d50 denotes a number length mean particle size such that 50% of particles have volume smaller than a sphere of diameter d50. The colour of the printed lining paper can be matched to the colour of a jointing compound used as a filler between the edges of adjacent boards. The material of d50 mean particle size in the range from 1 to 10 micrometers gives the lining paper a surface texture resembling that of jointing compounds and so reduces or removes contrasts, notably in absorbency, reflectance and gloss, between the surface of the boards and the surface of the jointing compound between boards.

Abstract: An insulated sheathing panel comprises an insulating member and a facing. The insulating member has two adjacent edges formed by a portion of its thickness extending beyond two corresponding adjacent edges of said facing. Two other adjacent edges of said insulating member in the said relative thickness portion are recessed within two corresponding edges of said facing. When the panels are applied to a stud wall, their edges are ship-lapped, with edges of the facings in abutted relation so there is not thermal break at the panel seam. “Z”-shaped clips or elongated bars are used to secure panels to the stud wall. The panel facings are finished and no vapor barrier is required. Methods are included.

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web (2) of packaging material on a machine (1) for packaging pourable food products, the unit having a bath (7) containing a sterilizing agent, in which the web (2) is fed continuously; a process chamber (8) connected to an outlet (12) of the bath (7), and which houses wringing rollers (18) interacting with the web (2), and a nozzle (22) for directing a stream of air on to the web (2) and removing residual sterilizing agent from the web; an aseptic chamber (25) communicating with the process chamber (8) via an opening (27) for passage of the web (2), and in which the web (2) is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube (29) which is filled continuously with the product for packaging; and an air processing circuit (24) for controlling process conditions, and having a conduit (56) for feeding a first stream of sterile air into the aseptic chamber (25), a conduit (54) for feeding a second stream of sterile air to the nozzle (22) and housing a heater (69) for controlling the tempera

Abstract: Filling device (1) for filling containers (5) with foods and closing said containers, comprising an endless conveyor system (2), a filling station (21) and a closing station (22), a housing (15) that at least partially encloses the processing line which is provided along the conveyor track, and gas supply means (25) for feeding conditioned gases into the housing. The housing (15) extends at least along the filling station (21) and the closing station (22), inside which housing the gas supply means (25) are designed so that, during operation, the gases flow substantially close to the filling aperture along the outside of the containers (5), in the direction of bottoms of said containers. The gas supply means comprise a plurality of adjacent gas outflow apertures opening into the housing, and for substantially each conveyance position of a container along the housing, at least one of the gas outflow apertures is situated at a distance of less than 25 centimeters from the corresponding container aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transfer picture transferring member which prevents occurrence of simultaneous feed of two or more sheets, inhibits the amount of curling of paper in various environments, and prevents occurrence of curling even when taking out a sheet of paper from the package. The transfer picture transferring member having a transferring layer on a surface of the substrate of the invention is characterized by a water content within a range of from 4 to 6%.

Abstract: In order to store thermoplastic preforms in a container, the outside faces of the preforms are treated so as to make said outside faces more slippery, and the preforms are stored in bulk in the container, with the outside faces of the preforms after treatment presenting a coefficient of friction that is low enough to ensure that the packing density, i.e. the number of preforms stored per unit volume, is greater than the packing density that would be obtained under the same conditions with non-treated preforms.

Abstract: A device for evacuating a container is disclosed. The device includes a nozzle for placing within the container, a first air conduit operatively connecting the nozzle and a separation chamber, a second air conduit operatively connecting the separation chamber and a pump. A system that includes a reusable plastic bag and methods for using a device for air evacuation, and a plastic bag are disclosed.