Abstract: A method of microwave synthesis of phosphors includes a microwave furnace having a microwave chamber; providing starting material in the microwave chamber; and subjecting the starting material to microwaves, whereby the starting material is synthesized into phosphors. An insulation package for use in microwave synthesis is disclosed that includes an insulator having an opening therein, wherein the opening is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a central axis of the insulator, and wherein the opening is adapted to receive starting material. A susceptor configuration may be positioned within the cavity, wherein the insulator, the cavity, and the susceptor configuration are substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to an axis of rotation of the insulation package. A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency dielectric heating device comprises: a microwave output unit including an inverter unit using a semiconductor switching element, heat-radiating fins for radiating the heat generated by an IGBT, a printed board having a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the semiconductor switching element, wherein the thermistor being soldered to a leg portion of the semiconductor switching element or near to the leg portion thereof on the side of the soldering surface of the printed board, a booster transformer, a high-voltage rectifier unit, and a magnetron; and a heat-cooking chamber fed with microwaves radiated from the magnetron. When the thermistor has assumed a predetermined resistance, a power-down control operation is effected by greatly decreasing the power fed to the semiconductor switching element. Then, permitting the power fed to the semiconductor switching element to vary depending upon the resistance of the thermistor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a food serving arrangement and its components are disclosed.

Abstract: A shipping container has an interior, a first main door, a second main door and an auxiliary door. In a closed position, the auxiliary door cooperates with one of the main doors to form a bulkhead which blocks access to the interior. The auxiliary door comprises a plurality of separately moveable portions moveable between open and closed positions. At least one of the portions is moveable to an open position which permits access to the interior of the shipping container.

Abstract: An emergency information storage receptacle primarily made of hard vinyl plastic that is able to withstand impacts associated with typical vehicle collisions. The receptacle has a top portion and a bottom portion where the top portion can move between a top, open position and a bottom, closed position. When closed, the top portion partially sets within the bottom portion to form a protective closed shape. When open, the top portion provides access to an information card secured within the interior of the top portion. The information card is further protected by a protective sheath and a view window. The receptacle is of a suitable dimension for installation along the dash or driver compartment of almost any vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a sphere container including a main body and several interchangeable caps, wherein the main body, being an upper semi-sphere joining with a lower semi-sphere of a larger diameter, having a top cut away to leave a circular opening for connecting with a short hollow cylinder as a capped section and a bottom cut away to form a base for standing on a surface, the cap having a capping section corresponding to the capped section, threads formed on the outer perimeter of the capped section and the corresponding capping section, and patterns formed on the outer surface of the sphere container, thereby enabling the sphere container being in vivid sundry appearances like a football, a basketball, or a baseball and having multiple applications when in different caps.

Abstract: A collapsible box that provides access through both its top and front side, said box comprising sets of interior and exterior sidewalls, said interior sidewalls folding inward along a hinge and said exterior sidewalls folding along a hinge that runs along a bias. Said box capable of being made from either flat sheet material or molded parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, or kit, of injection molded components having integrated connectors which combine to form a storage container having a plurality of snap-in spherical roller assemblies and a cooperating lid member. The storage container components are formed of injection molded plastic and include integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another without the need for separate fasteners. The integrated assembly of the bottom storage container panel and the spherical roller assemblies simplifies storage container construction and minimizes the number of components required to complete the assembly.

Abstract: An easily unsealable container closure having re-sealing performance and comprising a closure member having an opening portion that has been formed in advance, and an unsealing tab which is so fitted to the outer surface side of the closure member as to cover the opening portion and is hermetically adhered to the periphery of the opening portion, wherein the unsealing tab includes a flexible tab member and a plug member integrally adhered to the tab member and is so formed as to be fitted to the opening portion of the closure member, and the flexible tab member is hermetically fixed to the periphery of the opening portion in the closure member so as to be torn off. The container closure offers re-sealing performance which can be repetitively effected to temporarily seal again the once unsealed opening, and further offers excellent re-sealing performance, unseal indication function and easy-to-unseal performance.

Abstract: A reclosable lid for use with an open-top container is disclosed. The reclosable container lid comprises a cover including an annular top wall having a channel integrally formed therein. A drinking spout in the top wall is adapted to dispense the contents of the container. The reclosable lid uses a slide lock closure feature that prevents spillage during transportation of the open-top container and easy access for opening and drinking. The slide lock closure is configured to engage with the channel to slide longitudinally along the channel between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the slide lock closure opens the drinking spout and in the second position, the slide lock closure closes the drinking spout to inhibit dispensing the contents of the container.

Abstract: Conventional adhesive and contact welding methods for holding the paperboard and plastic components of a composite closure together present a number disadvantages and do not lend themselves easily to mass production. The present invention describes two novel approaches, firstly the preassembly heating of the closure components with directed hot air to partially melt the thermoplastic surfaces and allow the parts to be immediately assembled sealingly and, secondly, a novel construction of plastic and paperboard composite closure in which the plastic rim is of a two-piece snap-fit constructions which firmly grips the top panel of the paperboard lid.

Abstract: A container comprises a body portion, a lid portion and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member. The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means including a sealing member which extends between the locking member and other of the body portion and the lid portion when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.

Abstract: Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid.

Abstract: An insulated multi compartment fluid storage device capable of multiple configurations to provide for different ratios of stored fluids. The device allows for individual fluids to be stored separately from one another. In addition, the device has a tapered bottom and is largely characterized by textured surfaces. More specifically, the contours of the devices lend themselves to fitting within vehicle cup holders and the like. Finally, the device is comprised of thermo-insulating material so that stored fluids can maintain a near constant temperature for relatively long periods of time.

Abstract: A lunch box comprising: a receptacle and a cover able to cover the receptacle. The receptacle is provided therein with partitions to divide the receptacle into a plurality of receiving spaces; in which a receiving space is used to store therein soup, and the remaining spaces are used to store therein cooked rice or repast. And in which the cover is formed thereon downwardly recessed areas in corresponding to and in opposition respectively to the receiving spaces of the receptacle; the bottoms or peripheries of the receiving spaces of the cover and the partitions of the receiving spaces of the receptacle at the positions opposite respectively to those of the bottoms or peripheries are provided with engaging means for mutual engaging, so that the cover and the receptacle can be tightly engaging with each other to prevent spilling of soup or food juices.

Abstract: A handheld paint container assembly with a curved handle fixed at one end, positioned for comfort over the center of gravity, and providing good control over container position when dipping paint application tools. An internal confining shelf with capacity to tote a variety of paint application tools. Ideal for applying paint with a smaller roller, and using the paintbrush to tip the rolled surfaces and to paint the areas the roller couldn't reach. It readily hangs on a ladder rung, positioned for convenient and secure access.

Abstract: Improved feeding dishes for children. The dishes are microwaveable containers such as plates or bowls having one or more lids thereon. The containers include pressure release opening such as vents for releasing pressure from the container while the dish is heated in a microwave. Automatic vents, which release pressure once the pressure releases a given level, and manual vents, which are opened and closed by the parent, are provided. Preferably, the containers are composites of soft and hard components.

Abstract: A configuration for pots, pans, kitchen utensils in general, and like containers. The container is provided with an inner container and an outer container and a chamber disposed therebetween. A thermal fluid with high thermal conductivity is disposed in at least part of the chamber. A bottom surface of the outer container may include grooves with fins defined on an inner surface of the grooves.

Abstract: A compact drinking/eating assisting instrument can be used when a person lies down on a bed or at a place other than the bed, and also poses no risk that it falls toward the face of a help-needing person. The main body of the drinking/eating assisting instrument is formed of a flexible coating member so as to have a bag-like shape, and a fluid member is filled in the bag-like member so as to be fluidized.

Abstract: A flexible check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection. The flexible check valve is preferably a crossbill used in conjunction with a drinking straw to prevent undesired liquid leakage from a container such as a drink box. A transition section is used to mate the dissimilar materials of the straw and flexible check valve. The transition section retains an internal bayonet section of the flexible check valve within a snap-fit ring.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulator for holding a beverage container against a surface. The insulator is a shell having an elastomeric wall. The top portion of the insulator includes an opening leading to an interior portion of the insulator. The insulator wall includes at least one magnetic strip. A beverage container is held within the interior of the insulator. The insulator and retained beverage container may then be attached to any metallic surface. The insulator may include retaining straps to more securely hold the beverage container within the interior of the insulator.

Abstract: An enclosure plug may be employed to block a wall aperture. The plug may have a spanning member and a retention apparatus. The retention apparatus may have two or more catch depths for accommodating differing wall thicknesses. The retention apparatus is movable into a deflected position for installation into the aperture, and is biased away from said deflected position.

Abstract: A hinged mask-package container with a spring latch for use in the transportation and storage of substrates. The container has a base and lid secured by a slidable spring latch that accepts the container's lid by sliding along the rail when the lid is pressed down to meet the base and then secures the lid and base by sliding back into its original position. The container also employs a living hinge made by an overmolding process whereby the hinge is formed in a first mold and then the container lid and base are formed and joined to the hinge in a second mold.

Abstract: A lid and hinge apparatus for food serving pans is provided comprising a lid having a first lid member and second lid member each having a top and bottom surface, wherein the first lid member further includes a utensil aperture, a plurality of perimeter flanges, and wherein one perimeter flange includes a first generally vertically extending hinge flange portion having a slotted receiving cavity, wherein the cavity is disposed generally horizontal and parallel to the top surface of the first member. The lid further comprises an integrally formed major and a minor flange, wherein the major and minor flanges include a plurality of arcuate folds thereon, wherein the major and minor flanges function to provide a removable and hingeable cooperation of the lid/cover first and second members.

Abstract: An inflatable container generally includes a flexible housing having an interior cavity and a flexible valve in operative association with the housing, wherein, when a first force is exerted on the housing and a second force is exerted on the valve, or the valve is attached to an external object such as another container, the housing and the valve each undergo a change in shape to draw fluid from the ambient environment, through the valve, and into the interior cavity.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has one or more chambers for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each chamber and is selectively operable to dispense an incremental number of pills from each respective chamber. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means and is programmably operable by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or various networks such as one having access to data from a pharmacy. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each chamber. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to dispense pills at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: An automated capsule counting apparatus includes a chute body, a stop plate, a conveyor unit, a light transceiver unit, and a control unit. The chute body has an upper chute portion with an open inlet end, and a lower chute portion with an open discharge end. The stop plate extends into the chute body between the upper and lower chute portions, and is movable for permitting and preventing spatial communication between the inlet end and the discharge end. The conveyor unit is adapted for transferring capsules into the chute body via the inlet end. The light transceiver unit includes a plurality of light transmitter and light receiver pairs for forming optical sensing paths to be interrupted by the capsules transferred into the chute body. The control unit controls movement of the stop plate based on number of the capsules transferred and detected by the light transceiver unit.

Abstract: Containers having at least one container sidewall, such as with a tubular cylinder or tubular polygon shaped cross-section. An external operator applies force through the container wall using a non-contacting force coupling which transmits through the sidewalls. The non-contacting forces may be by magnetic coupling, electrostatic coupling, electromagnetic coupling or possibly other non-contacting force couplings. In manually powered units the magnetic coupling is currently preferred. The coupling in such embodiment uses a series of magnets positioned in the exterior operator and another set within an interior lift stage. The exterior operator is moved longitudinally to thus move the interior lift stage and lift product toward the mouth of the dispenser.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera unit, a location unit, a transmitting unit, a self-defense mechanism, and a panic button. The camera unit location unit obtains at least one of image data and audio data, and the location unit obtains location data. The transmitting unit transmits at least one of the image data, the audio data, the location data, and specific information including owner identification information. The panic button is adapted to activate the camera, the location unit, the transmitting unit, and the self-defense mechanism.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement (5) includes an inner coupling device (9) within a package (1) and an outer coupling device (12) on a withdrawal arrangement (4). The outer coupling device (12) includes a tube section (14) that can break a wall of a package (1) and be introduced into a hole (15) in a part (10) of the inner coupling device (9). At least one protruding part (16) is arranged on and/or beside the tube section (14) of the outer coupling device (12). At least one hole (17) and/or a thin section (18) of wall is arranged in the part (10) of the inner coupling device (9). The protruding part (16) can be introduced into the hole (17) and/or break the thin section (18) of wall, in order to allow coupling of the outer coupling device (12) and the inner coupling device (9). The protruding part (16) may prevent coupling of the inner coupling device (9) and the outer coupling device (12) if the part (10) provided with holes lacks the hole (17) and the thin section (18).

Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.

Abstract: A pouch adapted to contain a fluent material has a fitting having a base fitted hermetically to the pouch and having a surface exposed in the pouch. A tubular spout projects outward from the base and forms with the base a throughgoing passage opening into the pouch and having an inner surface. A liner of a barrier material covers both of the surfaces. A layer of plastic covers inner surfaces of the liner. This layer of plastic can be unitary with the base and spout so that the liner is imbedded in the base and spout, or a separate not unitary piece fitted over the liner to the fitting. Normally the liner is unitarily formed of one piece, and is in fact a generally T-shaped body like the combined spout and base.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and transporting an alcoholic beverage including a wearable device and a container disposed on the wearable device, the container configured to dispense a quantity of the alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: Pressurized can comprising a body (2), a dome (3) accommodating a valve (4), a concavely shaped bottom (5), an inner casing (7) attached to a cup (6), a push rod (9) arranged in the inner casing (7), said push rod (9) being actuated through the cup (6) and intended to force open the inner casing (7), with said inner casing (7) being joined to the cup (6) via a spring cage (11), said spring cage (11) containing a spring-loaded trigger (12) which acts on the push rod (9) which, in turn, acts on a cover (8) arranged at the can-side end of the inner casing (7), said cover (8) being a membrane which seals the inner casing (7) at its can-side end hermetically against the contents of the pressurized can (1) and which is torn open by the push rod (9) when the trigger (12) is actuated.

Abstract: A safety nozzle assembly for use on an aerosol can comprises a collar element and a button element. The collar element has an open lower end for closely fitting over the rim of the can. The button element has a plurality of radial protrusions or circumferentially extending slots on its outer surface which are engagable with an opposite plurality of radial protrusions or circumferentially extending slots on an inner surface of the collar element to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the collar element and the button element when the button element and the collar element are in a first rotational position with respect to each other and the protrusions are engaged with the slots. By rotating the button with respect to the collar, the protrusions can be disengaged from the slots and the button element then depressed to discharge pressurized contents from the can.

Abstract: A cylindrical-shaped particle dispenser cartridge includes a dispenser nozzle. The dispenser nozzle outer surface includes sealing ribs that surround an included nozzle opening. The dispenser nozzle is arranged to engage a shutter that slides over the sealing ribs, thus sealing the nozzle opening. When the cartridge rotates about the cartridge axial in a shutter-opening or leading direction (X) with respect to the shutter, the sealing ribs move in a like direction with respect to the shutter, thus unsealing the particle dispenser cartridge nozzle opening. The dispenser cartridge is arranged to dispense particles such as, for example, toner particles. The dispenser nozzle outer surface includes outer shutter rails disposed on inboard and outboard sides of the sealing ribs.

Abstract: A spice shaker device including an elongate handle member having a first end and an opposite second end, and a head member provided on the second end of the elongate handle member, the head member including one or more containers for dispensing spices.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.

Abstract: A condiment shaker includes an inner container that may be inserted into an outer container. The inner container contains the condiment and may be removed and replaced during refilling. The inner container may include a base to lend support to the containers when assembled. Where desired, a handle grip, flip top lid and prongs for dislodging material in the container may be used to facilitate pouring of the condiment.

Abstract: Several different features are provided for use with a pump, particularly a microdispensing pump. a first aspect of the subject invention, latch fingers are provided which coact with a stop member to yieldingly inhibit movement of an actuator of the pump to ensure sufficient momentum is provided to the pump for actuation. In a second aspect of the invention, an overcap is provided which defines an at least liquid-tight seal with the pump body at locations spaced from a nozzle of the pump to limit ingress of contaminants into the nozzle. In a third aspect, at least one protruding bead is provided in proximity to at least one edge of a label mounted to the pump body to restrict removal thereof. In a fourth aspect, at least one rib is provided in proximity to a dispensing cap to provide lateral stability thereto.

Abstract: A dispensing valve includes an annular ring of relatively rigid molded plastic construction and a flexible resilient valve element integrally molded with the ring. The ring and the valve element have at least one mechanical interlock to secure the valve element to the ring as the valve element is molded onto the ring. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the mechanical interlock includes openings in an inner periphery of the ring and pegs on the outer periphery of the valve element that are molded into the openings as the valve element is molded onto the ring.

Abstract: A container for the storage and dispensing of a liquid and which incorporates a sealing mechanism includes a blow-molded container body including a neck portion having a series of external threads and defining an annular, non-planar sealing surface, a pouring spout assembled into the body and a unitary closing lid including a series of internal threads constructed and arranged to engage the threads of the neck portion. The unitary closing lid includes the sealing mechanism in the form of a pair of annular sealing lips constructed and arranged to be compressed against the annular, non-planar sealing surface to establish a sealed interface between the closing lid and the body.

Abstract: The Cell Phone Arm Wonder Pouch moves beyond current cell phone belt clips and holsters. The Cell Phone Arm Wonder Pouch can be worn on the arm or calf, over and under clothes. All cell phone users can wear the soft vinyl pouch with clear view plastic window and elastic cuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shopping bag with a floor, longitudinal walls opposite one another, transverse walls that are opposite to one another, and an opening that is opposite to the floor, incorporating at least one general compartment into which purchased items may be placed, having at least one carrying handle with which the bag can be carried and including a suspension device for the purpose of hanging the bag in the familiar shopping trolleys used at supermarkets, DIY hypermarkets and the like. The shopping bag has at least one thermally insulating cold compartment to take chilled or frozen goods and/or at least on bottle compartment, each of which may accept one commercially typical bottle of food or drink.

Abstract: An improved receiver hitch having a plurality of receivers is provided. The improved receiver hitch may be used with inserts that are slidably mounted into one or more of the plurality of receivers. The improved receiver hitch may be used with an insert such as a winch carrier in a winch mounting assembly or with other inserts such as ball mounts, clevis mounts, etc. The improved receiver hitch enables better handling, increased capacity, etc.

Abstract: A clip support member adapted for use with an article such as a golf bag adapted to be carried in an over-the-back relationship. The clip is defined by a neck and spaced-apart rigid but flexible arms which curve downwardly and inwardly away from the neck thus allowing the arms to follow the contour of the outer surface of the golf bag. The clip is preferably made from a shape memory or other suitable material which allows the arms to be flexed laterally away from each other by a user when the clip is engaged against the sides of the waist of the user. The clip is preferably secured to the golf bag in a relationship wherein the clip extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the bag. Buckles on the golf bag secure a jacket to the golf bag which, in turn, secures the clip to the golf bag.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving device includes an auxiliary support section movably disposed on a base section independently from a blade section and a pusher section. The auxiliary support section can be selectively disposed at the operable position for supporting an unsheathed optical fiber in cooperation with a pair of clamp sections. The auxiliary support section is constituted by a thin plate member having fiber support faces locally located between the clamp sections at the operable position and a relief area formed adjacent to the fiber support faces. The fiber support faces come in contact with the portions of a local length of the unsheathed optical fiber extending between the clamp sections, the local length being located away from the fiber cleaving position, and the relief area is so arranged as to avoid the contact with a portion of a second local length of the unsheathed optical fiber, located at the fiber cleaving position.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a first laser beam 2 and a second laser beam 3 composed of an ultraviolet laser are irradiated from a side of a second glass member 5b, allowing the first laser beam 2 to pass through the second glass member 5b so as to condense the first laser beam 2 on the first glass member 5a to form a first scribe line 14, condensing the second laser beam 3 on the second glass member 5b to form a second scribe line 15, and applying a break force to the first scribe line 14 and the second scribe line 15 to cut the glass.

Abstract: The invention provides a cutter for broad adhesive tape for packaging or the like that can easily stick the adhesive tape to an object by being operated by one hand, while forming a non-adhesive, picking-off portion to facilitate removal of the stuck adhesive tape at a side edge of the adhesive tape along its longitudinal direction. The adhesive tape cutter comprises a body bracket provided at its one end with a support that rotatably supports an adhesive-tape roll and at the other end with a cutting section to cut adhesive tape pulled out from the adhesive-tape roll supported by the support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet.