Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle whereof steering of all the steerable wheels is controlled by an actuator specific thereto, the system having a controller which has at least a normal mode of operation in which, for each steerable wheel, the controller determines a set point for the normal steering angle and a degraded mode activated in the event of failure of a wheel actuator, in which the controller determines a compensating steering set point for a wheel.

Abstract: A ball screw mechanism comprises a screw shaft, a nut and balls. The nut has a cylindrical portion in the axial middle on the outer peripheral surface thereof that becomes a fitting surface for fitting in a sleeve, and small diameter step portions in the opposite axial sides on the outer peripheral surface thereof that become non-fitting surfaces not fitting in the sleeve. A portion of a wheel steering shaft is provided with the screw shaft, and a plurality of balls are disposed in a rolling way defined between a thread groove formed in the outer periphery of the screw shaft and a thread groove formed in the inner periphery of the nut.

Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A mobile lifting device comprises a supporting carriage which is capable of travelling along a specific path and from which there is suspended, via a hoisting apparatus having at least two traction members a lifting platform which can be moved with a vertical component of direction in relation to the supporting carriage. In order to prevent uncontrolled lateral movements of the lifting platform, a stabilizing apparatus is provided which is formed by at least one essentially rigid pivoting member. The latter is swivellably connected, in one end region, to the supporting carriage and, in an opposed end region, to the lifting platform. In this way, a movement of the platform that possesses a vertical component of direction is always linked with a defined horizontal movement. If desired, this defined horizontal movement can be compensated for, wholly or partially, by a corresponding, oppositely directed translational movement of the supporting carriage.

Abstract: To lubricate a length of track, a plurality of lubricating nozzles are provided. Each nozzle is fed by the output of a single positive displacement pump, and all the pumps are controlled by a computer. Vibration sensors, sound sensors, or L/V ratio sensors detect physical qualities which occur as a train passes a given point, and another detector measures the time between successive wheels on the truck of a car as it passes a given point to measure train speed. The computer compares the output readings measured by the detector to a table of outputs in its memory that are indicative of a lubricated track to determine if lubrication is needed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods relating to a customizable self-checkout system including a self-checkout device for processing items for purchase by a customer, a processor for controlling the operations of the self-checkout device, and a memory for receiving customer profile data. The processor adapts the operation of the self-checkout system in accordance with the customer profile data.

Abstract: An obstruction sensing system is provided for a lift vehicle (10) with a lift platform (20). The system includes a plurality of sensors (32) mounted to the lift platform (20) and a control system (18) coupled with a drive system of the lift vehicle. The sensors collectively detect a profile of an area on a sensor side of the platform, and the control system generates a signal according to the profile detected by the plurality of sensors. The profile detected by the sensors may be compared with a stored plurality of area profiles by the control system based on a position of the lift platform or profiles of substantially symmetrical areas may be compared. If an obstruction is sensed during platform descent, further descent is halted and an alarm is sounded. The system also includes structure for overriding the disabling function.

Abstract: Method for controlling the elevators in an elevator bank in a building divided into zones has a plurality of floors via a process whereby destination floor calls are issued to the elevators by destination floor call input devices in the lobby of departure and the calls are distributed internally among different zones in the building by the elevator group control system, the elevators and the floors to be served being divided dynamically within the aforesaid elevator group control system into aforesaid zones, varying the numbers of elevators and the zone limits (r) according to traffic forecasts and transportation need.

Abstract: A cable elevator includes a car which travels on first parallel guides and a counterweight which travels on second parallel guides, the guides being located in a respective first and second parallel planes. Drive machinery is arranged on an engine mount between the guides, the first guides extending upward past the mount, the second guides ending at the mount. Laterally spaced lower guide elements and laterally spaced upper guide elements are fixed to the car and engage the first guides. A support cable is fixed to the underside of the car so that the car can pass the drive machinery vertically.

Abstract: A lift guide joint system for joining two guides having a joint-bridge plate connected to each side of the two guides is disclosed. The joint-bridge plate has a central body placed on an upper surface of the wings of the two guides. An upper flap of the joint-bridge plate extends along the blade-head portion of the guides and a lower flap of the joint-bridge extends along the wing portion of the guides. The central body is screwed to the wing portions so that the upper flap presses against the blade-head in order to align the two guides.

Abstract: A wedge-operated brake apparatus includes a piston for generating a braking force when axially driven, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, and a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston. The brake-actuating output is transmitted to the piston so as to drive the piston to thereby generate a braking force. The wedge transmission mechanism includes a first plate member which moves together with the piston, a second plate member disposed in opposition to the first plate member and fixedly secured to a housing, a wedge member disposed between the first and second plate members and engaging respective engaging surfaces of the first and second plate members via rollers, and a holder for rotatably holding the rollers and holding the wedge member while allowing linear movement of the wedge member.

Abstract: A brake device for the rotor of a helicopter, the device associating a mechanism having a disk and a manual control for main braking of the rotor, and a mechanism for secondary braking of the rotor under strong wind. The secondary braking device includes a secondary lever hinged to the body and capable of being actuated against secondary return elements to drive a bearing finger against a main lever of the main brake mechanism and cause the jaws of the mechanism to move correspondingly towards each other so that the secondary lever actuates the main lever in order to amplify the clamping forces applied to the disk by the jaws in comparison with the forces they exert when driven by the main lever alone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disk brake, in particular for a utility vehicle, comprising a brake caliper that encompasses a brake disk. The caliper is fixed to a brake support of the utility vehicle by means of fixing elements and can be axially displaced in relation to the brake disk. One fixing element is configured as a fixed bearing and the other as a floating bearing. The disk brake is configured in such a way that the floating bearing consists of a guide bush, part of which have a different wall thickness and in which a bearing bolt with a circular cross-section is guided, or a guide bush with an even wall thickness, in which a bearing bolt with an oval cross-section is guided.

Abstract: A disc brake has an anchor that is fixed to a housing to align first and second rails and friction pads for each of first and second friction members with radial surfaces on a rotor. The friction pads are moved into engagement with radial surfaces by an actuation force to develop a brake force and reaction forces that are carried into the anchor to oppose the rotation of the rotor during a brake application. The anchor has projections on the first rail located in planes that are offset from radial engagement surfaces on the rotor. The friction members each have a carrier with an outwardly projecting lip on a first end through which the brake forces are transmitted into the projections. Since the projections are offset a moment is created by the reactions forces and an axial component derived thereof added to the actuation force during a brake application.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly has a hub that is rotatable about an axis and at least a pair of discs supported on the hub for relative axial movement along the axis of the hub with the discs having opposite sides presenting braking surfaces. A non-rotatable support structure supports a plurality of friction elements for relative axial movement into and out of frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs. An electric actuator is mounted on the support structure adjacent at least one of the friction elements and is operative when actuated to move the friction elements into frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces and prevents communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes: a damper mass having a housing member with an accommodation space, an independent mass member housed within the accommodation space with a slight spacing therebetween so that the independent mass member is independent of the housing member and is freely displaceable within the accommodation space of the housing member to come into impact on the housing member via an elastic member; and a metallic spring member to be fixed at a plurality of fixing portions thereof on the vibrative member for elastically supporting the damping mass vibrative member, such that the housing member of the damper mass is fixed to a portion of the metallic spring member through which a principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member extends, and that a center of gravity of the damper mass is located on the principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic converter for the power train of a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises one pump (2), one turbine (3) connected with the transmission input shaft (4) and one stator (guide wheel) (5) and in which the pump (2) is detachably connectable via a primary clutch (PK) with the input of the engine, the primary clutch (PK) being situated in the transmission (G).

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a transfer clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the transfer clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing a pilot ball ramp unit. The pilot ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch actuation force on a pilot friction clutch which energized a main ball ramp unit for applying a clutch engagement force to a main friction clutch. A hydraulic control system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and a electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically actuated rotary operator, and a thrust mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and selectively delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers and return chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the thrust mechanism. The thrust mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. An electrohydraulic control system regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation and return chambers.

Abstract: A shift and brake control device is configured to combine an electrical shift operating device and a cable operated brake operating device. The control device basically has a brake lever bracket with a pivotally mounted brake lever moveably coupled to the brake lever bracket to move between a rest position and a braking position along a brake operating plane, and at least one an electrical shift control switch. The electrical shift control switch is either fixedly mounted to the brake lever or the brake lever bracket. When two electrical shift control switches are used, the electrical shift control switches are mounted to both the brake lever and the brake lever bracket. In some embodiments, the electrical shift control switch has a rotating operating member, while other embodiments have a sliding operating member.

Abstract: A ball panel for use in a load handling system such as an aircraft cargo hold comprises a top skin having at least one raised support. The ball panel also comprises a corrugation and a bottom skin. The top skin is supported by the corrugation, which has a plurality of side walls, flanges and folded ends. The raised support can be an annular ring, having a ramp between the top skin and a ball transfer unit.

Abstract: The bill validator disclosed is provided with a plurality of pathway selectors at a position nearer to the inlet than the outlet, wherein the selectors select the pathways in respective different phases for the pathways to form a cross between the plurality of pathway selectors in every pathway selection.

Abstract: In an escalator, a handrail is supported medially and reversed by means of a reversing sheave, which rotates about an axle which has approximately the width of a balustrade. The axle is held by at least one supporting cheek. A handrail-drive, which is integrated in the balustrade base, drives the reversing sheave by means of a drive-wheel, the handrail, which is guided over a diverter roller, being carried along by friction from the reversing sheave.

Abstract: Device for automatically adjusting vertically directing and aligning means in dependence on said containers size. The directing means are formed by a plurality of cradles (5) and the aligning means are formed by a corresponding plurality of discharge channels (6), both means are provided with movable parts (10, 35), respectively, adjustable in dependence on plastic containers size. The device provides at least one control member located on the machine outer stationary cylindrical wall (3) and adapted to engage movable parts (10, 35) of cradles and discharge channels, respectively, while the inner hopper holding bulk plastic containers rotates. Movable parts (10, 35) respectively, act on a movable fin (26) that adjusts the cradle cross-section and a movable rear wall or back (33) of the discharge channel.

Abstract: Readily bendable rolling conveyor guides are provided. The guides include axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels of a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guides may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor device which is used to transport work-pieces, especially the work-pieces of motor vehicle bodies, through a processing area for surface treatment of said work-pieces, comprising a conveyor which brings the work-pieces which are respectively maintained by a holder into the processing area; transports them through said area and removes them therefrom. The inventive conveyor device requires less maintenance in comparison with known conveyor devices. The holders respectively comprise a base part which moves in a translatory movement along a conveyor device and a rotating part on which the work-piece is arranged and which is held in such a way that it is rotatable on the base part. The conveyor comprises at least one drive device enabling at least one directly driven respective holder to be driven directly in a movement along the conveyor device.

Abstract: A scalper blade assembly for cleaning a conveyor belt. The assembly includes an adjustment structure for adjusting a force applied against the blades for biasing the blades into engagement with the conveyor belt. The adjustment structure includes a ratchet mechanism for incrementally adjusting the biasing force and a clamping structure for maintaining the position of blades and resisting forces applied against the blades from the conveyor. In addition, a blade support assembly is provided for facilitating mounting and replacement of scalper blades. The support assembly includes a support member and a locking member located within the support member, where movement of the locking member relative to the support member is operable to engage and disengage engagement members associated with the blades in locking engagement with the support member.

Abstract: A cooling station for data carrier disks, in particular for injection-molded substrates of optically readable data carriers, such as CD, CD-R, DVD, CD single, DVD single and the like, has at least three rotatable cooling spindles which are arranged in spaced-apart parallel relationship such that a substrate bears simultaneously upon all cooling spindles. Each cooling spindle has at least two threads with thread grooves of different width to thereby accommodate in the same cooling station, e.g. CD substrates and DVD substrates. As an alternative, or in addition, four or more cooling spindles may be provided and arranged in such a manner that respectively three cooling spindles are provided for transport of substrates with a particular substrate diameter. In this way, substrates of different diameter, e.g., standard CD and CD single, can be accommodated in a same cooling station.

Abstract: A suspension-conveyor diverter for a conveyor for transporting hanging objects, including items of clothing hanging on hangers disposed on the conveyor, and having a conveying guide for a driveable conveying member, and also having a first carrying-element guide for at lease one transporting roller, on which the object can be hung by a carrying element such that the carrying element engages with the conveying member, and further having a second carrying-element guide, which is spaced apart from the first carrying-element guide. It is noted that a pivoting guide is provided with one end being articulated on one carrying-element guide, and which is preset such that the other free end of the pivoting guide strikes against the other carrying-element guide, so that the pivoting guide connects the first carrying-element guide and the second carrying-element guide to one another. The pivoting guide is set up for actuation, such as for deflection, by the carrying-element.

Abstract: A flat stroke bi-directional conveyor for conveying object, granular and powder material. The unit utilizes the skewed sine wave trough stroke principle using primary eccentric counterweights wheels driven by a motor running at the secondary speed and equipped with the secondary eccentric counterweight wheels. The forces not in line with the trough stroke are absorbed with an isolation spring mounted between the drive assembly and the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting loose tobacco material includes a transporting belt, equipped with a vibratory sub-assembly with independent driving elements and a feeding channel placed over the transporting belt. The vibratory sub-assembly has the form of at least two separate vibratory portions, each having at least one roller with eccentric elements and symmetrically arranged counterweights. Each of the vibratory portions has separate adjusting elements to provide independent adjustment of the magnitude and direction of vibration amplitude vector, and also has separate adjusting elements providing independent adjustment of the frequency of the transporting belt vibrations, independently of speed of the transporting belt. An additional belt conveyor having vibratory portions is mounted over the transporting belt.

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 section of chain for conveying product along a material handling system includes a pin connecting a center link between two side links. The pin may have a sleeve portion around and at least partially along the shaft portion of the pin. The sleeve portion may engage a center link of the section of chain and may be movable relative to the shaft portion. The sleeve portion may comprise a polymeric material. The sleeve portion may be molded over an I-pin or the like, or may be slid or pressed onto a stud-ended pin or bolt or the like. The pin may include a generally spherical-shaped ball member or portion on the shaft portion to enhance flexibility of the section of chain. The pin may be dialable or selectably positioned at the side links to control and adjust the wear surface of the pin relative to the chain links.

Abstract: Packaged patch (10) according to the invention comprises patch (2) situated in space (4) inside patch package (3) composed of laminated packaging material (1), and its edges are sealed. Laminated packaging material (1) comprises hygroscopic material layer (13) made of LDPE containing 20–40 wt % of an inorganic filler, situated between moisture-permeable material layer (14) made of LDPE and having a moisture permeability of 40–120 g/m2/day and a screen material layer which blocks penetration of moisture, etc. and is composed of HDPE layer (12) and aluminum foil (11). The saturation hygroscopicity of laminated packaging material (1) is 2–30 g/m2 under atmosphere conditions with a temperature of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 75%. This construction sufficiently reduces the effect of moisture on a drug in patch (2) and allows patch (2) to be held in a stable state for prolonged periods, while also improving the economy and handleability of patch package (3).

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, kits and methods for improved manufacture and, in particular, for improved fixed and flexible manufacture. The improvements provide templates having cavities, silhouettes, impressions, contours, and/or profiles (collectively, “cavities”) that fit and correspond to parts at each stage of parts picking and/or assembly. For example, a kit can have (and a method according to the invention can use) a first template with cavities adapted to hold parts used in a first stage of computer manufacture; a second template with cavities adapted to hold parts used in a second stage of computer manufacture; and so forth. Alternatively, or in addition, the templates can hold parts gathered/or to be gathered in different phases of parts picking—for example, the first template can have cavities adapted to hold parts gathered in a first stage of picking; a second template can have cavities adapted to hold parts gathered in a second stage of picking; and so forth.

Abstract: A consumer tote for a roll of wallpaper is disclosed. The tote has a disposable exterior with a main access flap and a pair of core access openings, one at each end. The tote has an interior in which may be located a disposable core. The core aligns with the access openings. In some embodiments there is a gap between the access flap and an adjacent edge of the exterior, when the flap is closed. In preferred embodiments, the core is supported at each end by a molding having a hub which engages the core.

Abstract: Novel, quick, and reliable detection methods for determining the authenticity of optical and/or audio disc articles (such as compact discs, digital video discs, CD-ROM discs, and the like) are provided. Such a method basically entails the incorporation of an identifier or marking means within the edges of target optical discs or within any other portion of a target disc such that exposure to non-visible light sources will provide the desired identification upon irradiation or detection of the marking means therein. Such an identifier or marking agent thus may be utilized in conjunction with a transparent holding case whereby the needed light source may be exposed through the transparent walls thereof to permit detection of counterfeit or authentic discs without requiring opening of the case itself. Such a method may also be utilized for discs that are removed from or have not been placed and sealed within such a case as well.

Abstract: Novel optical disc storage units comprising transparent polypropylene are provided. Such storage units exhibit sufficient impact resistance to protect the target disc and sufficient clarity that any informational literature may be placed entirely within the storage unit and easily viewed and read through the walls thereof without impediment. Furthermore, the target storage unit must also include a spine section of sufficient width to permit a section of the informational literature to be placed internally thereon and viewed and easily read (such as, for example, the title and accompanying language describing the target disc placed therein) substantially without impediment as well. Additionally, provided therein are novel insert trays that simultaneously permit proper placement of such internally placed informational literature against the internal portion of the aforementioned walls, and particularly the spine portion, as well as provide antitheft properties.

Abstract: A kit for storing computer discs. The kit includes sheets of die-stamped card stock each of which are folded to form a CD or a DVD holder. The kit also includes a special stackable and expandable disc storage unit. Preferably, the user's computer prints labels on the holder identifying the contents of the CD or DVD. The software programming the computer utilizes may be provided on a CD or it can be downloaded from a WEB site. The disc storage unit is made up of a number of disc storage shelves of an elongated male tab and an elongated female receptor wherein the tabs and the receptor mate respectively with receptors and tabs on adjacent shelves to form the stackable and expandable storage unit. Preferably, the kit also includes end support pieces for preventing the disc storage shelves from sliding relative to each other while stacked. The compact disc holder is inserted into a stackable disc storage unit for storage and display.

Abstract: A magazine strip of tie ratchets which are provided for holding the ends of ties for binding elongated articles such as cable harnesses and are connected to one another by webs, the width of which is not greater than half the ratchet width and which are arranged adjacent to the tie entry side of the ratchets. The webs have a length of not more than 1.3 mm and/or one sixth of the ratchet dimension in the direction of the magazine strip. The width of the essentially parallel wall sections which carry the webs is expediently not greater than three quarters of the entire width of the ratchets. The thickness/width ratio of the webs should be not greater than 1/5. The invention also relates to a tool for binding cable harnesses which ensures that the webs are cut exactly in the center.

Abstract: A toolbox including two shells pivotally connected with each other and at least one tool holder pivotally connected with one of the shells for holding at least one tool. The at least one tool holder includes a shaft mounted on one of the shells and at least one socket mounted on the shaft for receiving a tool.

Abstract: A storage and carrying case includes semi-rigid spaced end panels and a semi-rigid bottom panel all joined together by means of a fabric over layer and a fabric under layer which are stitched together by a binding which also connects to front and back panels to form an enclosure for tools or the like. A single binding may thus be utilized to join all of the flexible fabric materials which retain the semi-rigid or rigid panels forming the enclosure.

Abstract: A tool holder has a carrier and a boss movable within the carrier. The boss is configured to accept the drive end of the tool. A locking pin within the boss releasably engages the boss to the tool when the boss is turned.

Abstract: A modular container system for storing and dispensing labels, the container system including a plurality of individual container modules configured for mutual coupling. Each container module having a first engagement element on a first wall and a complementary second engagement element on a second wall and each container module further including a receptacle configured for receiving a roll of labels and an opening for dispensing the labels.

Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider is provided to facilitate loading the two tiers of containers and an end of the divider is folded down to facilitate its correct placement on the bottom tier of cans. A slit is provided between the two end portions of the divider so cans can be removed from the dispenser without being impeded by the divider being in the way.

Abstract: A device for storing surgical instruments and/or implants, the device including at least one dish-shaped instrument tray (4) and a sealable lid (1) that is located on the top (6) of the tray. Each instrument tray (4) has a base (9) with a preferably rectangular outline and lateral walls (16) that are attached and extend vertically relative to the base (9) from the base underside (7). The instrument trays (4) can be stacked. The lid (1) includes two displaceable closure mechanisms (3) having lower locking elements (12) that are directed towards the underside of the lid (13). In addition, each instrument tray (4) has displaceable locking device (10), with which an instrument tray (4) can be detachably fixed to an instrument tray (4) lying immediately below. The locking device (10) includes upper locking elements (11) that are directed towards the top (6) and lower locking elements (12) that are directed towards the underside (7).

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a strip of material is employed to assist in evacuating a storage bag. Although this venting strip can be used in vacuum sealing any type of plastic bag, in some preferred embodiments the venting strip is used in vacuum sealing storage bags having one or more heat sealable inner layers and one or more outer layers resistant to gas permeation. The venting strip can be apertured and/or can have a textured or rough surface that creates channels between the inside surface of the storage bag and the venting strip, thereby allowing air to exit from the interior of the storage bag. The venting strip can be made at least partially of heat-sealable material, and can melt with heat sealable inner layers of the storage bag when a vacuum sealer applies heat to seal the storage bag.

Abstract: A package for retaining at least one crystal for use with vacuum deposition processing apparatus includes a tray portion having at least one vertically disposed supporting slot sized for retaining a crystal and a cover portion overlaying the tray portion. The cover portion is rotated until a slotted opening of the cover portion is aligned with a vertical supporting slot, permitting removal of the crystal that is supported within the vertical slot only along its peripheral edges.