Abstract: Method for cooking food, to be performed in an oven with a cooking cavity, a core-temperature proble capable of being introduced in a food item placed in the cooking cavity and provided with a temperature sensor for the food temperature and a sensor for detecting the temperature within the oven cavity, wherein these sensors are adapted to generate and output respective signals, control means being provided, which are adapted to receive and process such signals issued by said temperature sensors and to supply corresponding operating commands to heating means associated to the oven; there are provided setting means adapted to define a selectively modifiable value of a final reference temperature.

Abstract: A lid for article of cookware is covered over a considerable portion of its surface with a thermochromic ink or paint to form a first thermochromic indicator. This first thermochromic indicator undergoes a readily visible change in appearance to notify the cook that the underlying cookware vessel and/or the contents thereof have reached the desired temperature. A second thermochromic indicator on the lid is used to indicate that liquid in the pot is also boiling, or that a certain time has elapsed since the change in appearance of the first thermochromic indicator. The first thermochromic indicator preferably surrounds the second thermochromic indicator and is separated therefrom by a thermal insulator to create or extend the time lag between each indicator reaching their respective thermochromic transition temperatures.

Abstract: A new type of microwave applicator has been disclosed. The applicator according to an embodiment of the invention makes use of an evanescent main power-transferring mode. This evanescent mode is complemented by a second mode, which is a propagating mode that has the purpose of providing a counter-directed magnetic field in the y-direction at the horizontal, y-directed applicator wall opening. The effect of the cooperation of the two applicator modes is that the field pattern extends over a significant distance below the applicator opening, such that a load placed below the applicator opening is heated by a field pattern of the mode combination.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for thawing an object to be thawed. The method of thawing an object to be thawed according to the present invention comprises a step of generating a first stream (F1) inside of a reservoir (8) containing liquid by supplying additional liquid into the reservoir. The first stream flows to surround the object to be thawed introduced into the reservoir (8). The method further comprises a step of thawing the object to be thawed introduced into the reservoir (8) while it is rotated on its axis by the first stream (F1).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method, for using circular mode magnetic microwave energy to heat the product in a continuous microwave process. The microwaves are generated and transmitted as rectangular waveguide mode microwave energy, and are converted by mode converters to circular magnetic mode microwave energy. As circular magnetic mode microwave energy, the microwave energy passes through a material and is reflected on the other side back into the material, thus traveling through the material a second time. Reflected microwave energy from the main reflected wave as well as reflections from other structures, surfaces and layers in the system travel back toward the microwave source. They are sensed, and a computer tuning system causes capacitive probes to generate offsetting microwave reflections, which are opposite in phase and equal in magnitude to the sum of all of the reflected waves.

Abstract: An electrical box with recessed faceplate having a one-piece recessed faceplate and adapted to accommodate a two-piece recessed faceplate. A rear portion contains channels on the top, bottom, and sides. A connecting wall attaches the rear portion to the front portion. The connecting wall extends beyond the rear portion and preferably contains one or more apertures to accommodate releasable fasteners such as screws. These apertures and the channels assure that no screws or analogous components of another type of releasable fastener are not exposed within the box. The two-piece recessed faceplate has an inner portion and an outer portion which slide along each other in order to enable the box to be mounted at different distances from the mounting surface. Optionally, a removable cover extends across the mouth of the faceplate. An extender is also available for converting traditional electrical boxes into a box that can accommodate a recessed faceplate.

Abstract: A container for transport and for storage of objects, consisting of a floor part and two lengthwise and crosswise walls that stand opposite one another, in each instance, which project vertically from the floor part, and can be collapsed onto one another about hinges disposed in the floor region. The hinge of at least one of the side walls is configured in such a manner that its hinge parts, which interact with one another, can be separated from one another and connected with one another, respectively, in a defined position relative to one another.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle system comprising a frame and a plurality of refuse containers supported by the frame is provided. Each of the refuse containers have a receptacle and a complimentary lid reciprocally movable with respect to the receptacle. The receptacle of each of the containers is supported by the frame and is disposed at an angle in a range from about 10 to about 20 degrees from a vertical axis. A plurality of linkages are associated with the frame, whereby each linkage is coupled to the complimentary lid of one of the containers and is configured for reciprocation of the complementary lid between an open position and a closed position with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: A one-piece re-sealable sealing device (210) for use with a container (212), operable between a closed position and an open position in which, when the sealing device (210) is in the closed position it forms a folded shape comprising an upper part (240), a middle part (230) and a base part (220), hinged together. The sealing device (210) further comprises a lever (245,226,224) both for levering the sealing device (210) from the closed position to the open position, and for pivoting the sealing device (210) from the open position to the closed position to re-seal the container.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a beverage bottle comprises providing a bottle assembly with a side wall having an exterior surface. An array of selectable sleeve wraps are provided, each configured to fit on the side wall of the bottle assembly. Each sleeve wrap has at least one characteristic that is visibly different from the other sleeve wraps of the array. One of the sleeve wraps is selected from the array and attached on the side wall of the bottle assembly.

Abstract: A peelable lid conforms to a container having pointed edges at opposing ends forming an eye or boat configuration. The pointed edges provide starting and stopping points for removal of the lid from the container. The pointed edges minimize the peel front at the start of the removal of the lid and at the end of the container when dislodging the lid completely from the container. The peel front is proportional to the peel force at any given location on the lid, so that the minimized peel front provides a constant peel force during the removal of the lid. The peelable seal may also be formed, by a perforated, scored or otherwise tearable area around the periphery of the lid allowing the peel front to progressively proceed along the periphery of a sealing flange.

Abstract: A receptacle (200) for waste, the receptacle (200) including an elongated body member (202) having a first end for locating on or in the ground and a second end with an opening (201) therein for receipt of waste, the body member (202) further including inlet means (212) to permit atmospheric air to be drawn into the body member (202) on the application of a vacuum to the body member (202), wherein contents of the receptacle (200) are capable of being drawn from the receptacle (200) on the application of a vacuum to the body member (202) by entraining with atmospheric air drawn into the body member (202) by the vacuum.

Abstract: This invention comprises of a self-sticking vinyl molded half moon shaped air tube, that when placed vertically down the inside of a trash can, will provide the release of vacuum when a full plastic trash liner is pulled up and out of the trash can. The vinyl molded tube is molded altogether into a half moon shape, with two flat sides; and is bonded to a self-sticking adhesive strip (with a peel-strip backing). The vinyl molded tube and peel-strip are of equal lengths. The vinyl molded tube has a 45 degree angle cut at the bottom for obstruction free vacuum release; and has (4) approx. one-quarter inch holes near the bottom of the molded tube for increased suction release.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hand-held food immersing apparatus to allow a user to immerse a food item in a container having liquid. The apparatus includes a handle portion adapted to facilitate the user's grip on the apparatus and a plurality of flexible, elongated, and outwardly curved members adapted to firmly grasp the food item between these curved members. The apparatus can be made from a single piece of material, such as plastic, polymer, resign, wood, or metal, with a resistance to deformation such that the apparatus provides pressure to retain the food item between the curved members. The curved members can be aligned symmetrically with respect to the main member. The curved members can have a bow shape and the distal ends of the members can be adapted to apply pressure to the food item and facilitate the alignment of food placed between them.

Abstract: A drinking cup having an interior pill shelf with passages to allow liquid in the cup when drunk, to flow through the shelf and carry the pill with it into the mouth. A separate pill box is attached to the outside of the cup wall for carrying pills to be taken at a later time.

Abstract: A container for transporting fragile elongated objects, such as fluorescent light tubes has a tubular body made of rigid non-deformable material. A plurality of tube-receiving sleeves is fitted in the tubular body, each of the sleeves being sized to receive and retain one fluorescent tube. A bottom cap is secured to the bottom of the container body; the bottom cap being fitted with a resilient lining and a soft deformable foam rest fitted over the lining. A top cap, similarly is provided with a resilient lining and a soft deformable rest fitted over the lining. When the fluorescent tubes are positioned in the container body, the electrical connector prongs engage with the deformable rests preventing damage to the connector prongs. A handle is engaged with a rigid retainer rod, which extends through the container body and the opposing caps. The ends of the handle engage the outwardly extending ends of the rod and are secured thereto by nuts.

Abstract: A reservoir includes a plurality of chambers, an inlet, and a channel. The channel includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to the inlet to receive fluid, and the second opening is greater in area than the first opening.

Abstract: A flexible compartment system including tensionable or suspendable flexible webs (1, 1?, 1?, 1??) which can be tensioned between or suspended from frame elements, wherein intermediate portions (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2???), which also comprise flexible web material, are connected to the tensionable or suspendable webs (1, 1?, 1?, 1??) in such a way as to afford a partitioning arrangement with a plurality of compartments (3, 3?, 3?, 3??, 3???), wherein a compartment system has a number of compartments (3, 3?, 3?, 3??, 3???) composed of a plurality of assembled together base elements (4, 4?, 4?, 4??, 21, 21?, 21?, 21??) each of which has a respective portion of the total number of compartments.

Abstract: A storage tank having an inner vessel suspended within the outer vessel. One or more stiffening members support portions of the outer vessel. The use of the stiffening members limits deformation of the outer vessel due to the suspension of the inner vessel therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending an inner tank within an outer tank to form a cryogenic storage tank. Opposing ends of the inner tank are suspended from the outer tank by suspension members. A preloading device facilitates the preloading of the suspension members to suspend the inner tank within the outer tank. The suspension members constrain the inner tank in a statically determinable manner so that a desired preloading and loading can be imparted upon the suspension members. The suspension members advantageously limit the parasitic heat leaks between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A cookware device comprises separable cooking vessels that can be releasably attached to form a securely joined sealed chamber that can be flipped during food preparation and cooking. Each cooking vessel comprises a cooking chamber, a grip handle and a lock handle. The lock handle of the top vessel is configured to be positioned into an open area of the lock handle of the bottom vessel to interlock the handles and create a point of tension. The grip handles are configured to not interfere with each other so that when the vessels are attached, the grip handles do not prevent a sealed chamber from forming.

Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided including an inner tank formed from a tank liner surrounded by a wound layer of composite filaments. A protective jacket is disposed on the inner tank that facilitates stacking and portability of the pressure vessel and helps to define an air passage for convective heat transfer between the hybrid tank and the environment.

Abstract: A sleeve and a container are provided that include projections made of a polymer that insulate a hand gripping a container containing a hot beverage. The sleeve can include the projections and it can be manufactured as an integrated part of the container or it can be manufactured separate therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing individualized dosage forms of medicines, vitamins, mineral supplements and nutraceuticals in capsule or liquid form. The invention also relates to a system for preparing individualized dosage forms in which a processor is configured to identify a medicament formulation for an individual patient's dosaging needs and communicates this formulation information to a dispensing station where a capsule or a formulation of pellets of small diameter size for reconstitution into a liquid or semi-solid is formed that is specific to the individual's dosaging needs.

Abstract: A pill dispenser (10) having a body (12) including a plurality of recesses (14) formed in a surface (16) of the body (12). Each recess (14) has an open mouth (18) bounded by a surrounding portion (20) of said body surface (16). The open mouth (18) of each recess (14) is closed by an imperforate cover (22) secured to the surrounding portion (20) which bounds the recess (14). A lid (24) is hingedly connected to the body (12) for movement between a first position whereat the lid (24) overlies the mouth (18) of all of the recesses (14) to prevent access thereto and a second position whereat the lid (24) is spaced from the mouths (18) of the recesses (14) to permit access thereto.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage compartment positioned inside the cavity. The article storage compartment may have a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage compartment. The article storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of article storage sub-compartments, each sub-compartment having an opening at a dispensing end thereof for passage therethrough during a dispensing operation of articles stored therein. An air barrier arrangement is positioned so as to be in common with the dispensing end of a plurality of said sub-compartments, for separating the interior of the sub-compartments from the remainder of the interior of the internal cavity, the air barrier arrangement having flaps that operate individually with respective ones of said sub-compartments, so as to allow articles stored in the sub-compartments to pass therethrough during the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A dispenser is adjustable to contain beverage container lids of various sizes. A housing has a front element with an opening. Pager assemblies are mounted in slots which extend radially outwardly from the opening. A stack of lids is inserted into the housing through the opening, and the pager assemblies allow a single lid to be extracted from the stack by the pivoting of a door containing two claws which engage the frontmost lid. To reconfigure the dispenser for a different lid size, a template is positioned frontwardly of the housing front element, and the pager assemblies are adjusted to abut the template, thereby configuring the pager assemblies in the proper position. The claws on the lid are then replaced with claws which are configured to the new lid shape.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a viscous, flowable product such, for example, as a spin-art paint solution, comprises an axially extending container that defines an opening and an interior chamber for receiving and storing the flowable product. A discharge assembly is coupled to the container, the discharge assembly being dimensioned and arranged to spin, relative to the container, as it receives the flowable product from the interior chamber. The spinning motion of the discharge assembly, which may be accompanied by a linear movement of the container itself relative to a target surface, allows the user to cleanly and evenly distribute the flowable material onto a target substrate in an attractive, curvilinear deposit pattern. Optionally, the discharge assembly may be configured with a pivoting nozzle that can be moved from a position for obtaining a helical (curvilinear) deposit pattern to a position for obtaining a rectilinear deposit pattern.

Abstract: A chemical reaction cartridge enabling chemical reaction to be stably and safely carried out therein, and a method of using the same are provided. A chemical reaction cartridge is provided with a substrate, and an elastic member 2 overlaid on the substrate. A recess of a predetermined shape, depressed toward the top surface of the elastic member is formed in the back surface of the elastic member. The recess creates space between the substrate, and the elastic member, thereby making up a well, for holding the main ingredient of the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a well for holding a curing agent for the epoxy adhesive, a flow path communicating with the well, a mixing part for mixing the main ingredient with the curing agent, and a discharge path for discharging a mixture. While the chemical reaction cartridge is not in use as yet, the flow paths, and the discharge path are closed, so that the wells are, in effect, in a hermetically sealed condition.

Abstract: A flexible and resealable package for dispensing viscous material is provided. The package has front and back sides with a malleable, inelastic, member fixed to at least one of the sides to enable the package to be folded into a sealed position to close off the opening and reseal the package. The malleable member does not extend the full length of the package so that package may be opened in an unobstructed manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dispensing system configured for dispensing a food product. The invention also relates to a peristaltic pump that has a pumping member configured to move along a path through a pumping position and a loading position. The pump also includes a motor in drivable association with the pumping member to move the pumping member along the path and a backing member having a surface configured to cooperate with the pumping member to pinch a conduit therebetween when the pumping member engages the conduit to establish peristaltic association in the pumping position to peristaltically pump a fluid therethrough. When the pumping member is in the loading position, the pumping member is disposed to allow the conduit to be received in and removed from a pumping space. The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing a food product using a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: A push-type dispensing device is disclosed. The dispensing device includes an outer casing (10). A nozzle cap (20) is fastened to a lower end of the outer casing. An inner casing (30) is housed in the outer casing, contains contents, and moves vertically. A button (40) is coupled to an upper end of the inner casing and actuated to move the inner casing downwards. A dispenser (50) is coupled to a lower end of the inner casing and dispenses a prescribed amount of contents by a pumping action. An elastic spring (60) is interposed between a cylinder cap and the nozzle cap, and elastically restores the inner casing to an original position thereof. A plunger (70) is in close contact with an inner surface of the inner casing, and pushes the contents toward the dispenser when the contents are dispensed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly comprising a fluid dispenser (101), a pack (120) for co-operating with the dispenser in such a manner as to fasten the pack to the dispenser, the pack including a fastener zone, and the dispenser including reception means for receiving the fastener zone, the assembly being characterized in that the reception means comprise at least one set of two opposite longitudinal grooves (111) for receiving the fastener zone (121) of the pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dispensing system configured for dispensing food product. The device includes a fluid container in fluid communication with a conduit having a compressible portion which is associable with a pumping mechanism for pumping a fluid therethrough. The compression portion contains an upstream uni-directional valve and a downstream uni-directional valve, so that when the compression portion is resiliently compressed, fluid is forced through the downstream valve, and upon decompression, fluid is drawn through the upstream valve. The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing a food product.

Abstract: A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of said rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from said screw rotary driving axis.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser member comprising a body (1), an actuator element (2), and a return spring (3), said actuator element comprising a portion disposed inside the body and a top portion (21, 23) that projects out from the body, said actuator element being axially displaceable, downwards and upwards, inside said body between a rest position and a depressed position, said actuator element being urged towards the rest position by the return spring (3), the dispenser member being characterized in that it further comprises blocking means (14, 24, 3) for preventing the actuator element (2) from turning relative to said body (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking sleeve (17) for fastening a closure device (11) on a container opening comprising a sleeve body which is at least provided with a slip-on collar at its lower end region, wherein the slip-on collar has an inner circumferential surface (21) for enveloping coverage of an outer circumferential surface (25) of the closure device, this inner circumferential surface being provided with a retaining device (22) at least in an area of overlap with the outer circumferential surface and the retaining device comprising a plurality of retaining units (23) which are radially distributed over the circumference of the inner circumferential surface.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a viscous material dispenser is disclosed. The assembly has a main body with an axial bore for receipt of a push rod. The body has a face including an annular recess and an endless lip surrounding the recess. A camming washer is disposed at least in part in the recess. The washer includes a perimeteral camming surface engageable with the lip. The body and washer are connected together for limited relative axial movement when the piston assembly is advanced against material in a cartridge to dispense such material. The relative movement is effective to cause the camming surface to force the lip outwardly into tight engagement with a wall of such a cartridge.

Abstract: A pneumatic fluid dispenser has an electromechanical actuator that is supported by a dispenser body and operable to move a mechanical stop in the dispenser body. A drive piston also mounted in the dispenser body is powered by pressurized air and is movable into contact with the stop. Thus, the stop limits a displacement of the drive piston and hence controls a volume of fluid dispensed by the pneumatic fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A tap for removing liquid from a container has a sleeve (10) made of plastic, in which a piston (12) is guided, and which sleeve has a passage opening (28) for the liquid. A hood that can be set onto the sleeve (10) in front of the passage opening (28), so that it covers the passage opening (28), serves as a foam throttle. The hood encloses a labyrinth channel (36), together with the sleeve, which channel is open at one end, towards the interior of the container, and ends in the passage opening (28) at the other end.

Abstract: A hand-held confectionery product dispenser is provided and includes a container and a rotatable closure. Both the container and the rotatable closure define openings, that, when aligned, allow the confectionery product to be dispensed. A grip indentation may be present in one wall of the container. Preferably present in an embodiment is a thumb engagement point on the closure, to aid in rotation of the closure. The hand-held dispenser allows a user to hold the dispenser in the palm of one hand and rotate the closure with the thumb of the same hand for easy opening and closing of the dispenser.

Abstract: A closure for a container is disclosed having a base with at least one dispensing aperture and a cover coupled to the base for movement between a closed position and an open position to allow dispensing of matter from the container. The base includes a top portion having a first contour and the cover has a second contour. The second contour may be configured to substantially correspond to the first contour. A closure for a container is also disclosed having a base that includes a topside having a contour. A cover is coupled to the base and includes an underside configured to substantially correspond to the contour and a rib extending downwardly from the underside to move matter accumulated on the topside of the base into the container when the cover is moved toward the closed position.

Abstract: A dual-dispensing product dispenser is provided. In an embodiment, the product dispenser is a confectionery product dispenser. The dispenser comprises one opening having a sliding cover that provides for the dispensing of a small number of pieces of confectionery product, as well as a hingedly attached wall for exposure of the entire inventory of products.

Abstract: A suspension clamp used as an attached element of a garment hanger. The garment hanger includes a main hanger having a coupling device and a hook. The suspension clamp includes a ring and a clamp. The ring is formed as an L shape and adapted to fit the coupling device through which the suspension clamp can be suspended from the main hanger and can fasten the main hanger. The clamp is coupled to the ring by which one or more garment can be hung.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful clothes protector cover comprised of a rectangular left sheet, a rectangular right sheet, and a plurality of grommets located on the upper edge of each of the sheets. A clothes hanger, upon which an item of clothing may already be hung, is threaded through a grommet on the left sheet and a corresponding grommet on the right sheet and hung on the hanger bar. This is repeated throughout the length of the sheets until all items of clothing are hung on the hanger rod and thereby protected by the clothes protector cover. This provides a means by which the clothes protector cover is held in place immediately above the protected items of clothing and thereby prevents the accumulation or settling of dust on the items of clothing.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a clothes holding device which is easily assembled (formed) as a clothes holding device (for example, a hanger), and which is compact, light-weighted, and convenient for packaging and conveyance, and further, which has an interior function for use as an interior material. The present invention provides a device comprising a plate member (10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F) having flexibility, wherein the plate member is bent on the symmetrical axis (X-axis or Y-axis), and clothes are held with a bent portion (13). In a status where the clothes are not held, the clothes holding device of the present invention is assimilated with the surface of a wall plane (W), and grasped as a part of interior. Upon holding of clothes, a vertical-directional lower area (14B) is bent along the horizontal axis (X), and the bent portion (13) and the remaining portion (14T) hold clothes.

Abstract: A holder for use on a duty belt comprising a backing portion including a synthetic material coupled to a cover portion including a synthetic material is disclosed. An edging portion at least partially covers an edge of either the backing portion, the cover portion, or both. The backing portion and the cover portion are coupled by stitching, the stitching passing through the backing portion and the cover portion, and the backing portion and the cover portion are substantially flush along a seam at which the backing portion and the cover portion are joined.

Abstract: The golf car accessory includes a bag divider adapted for attachment to a golf car to separate bags placed in the golf car. A first arm extends upwardly from the bag divider and a second arm operatively connected to the first arm and extending outwardly to support a ball washer. Preferably the first arm is a telescoping arm so that the height of the ball washer is adjustable. Preferably the second arm is also a telescoping arm so that the horizontal position of the ball washer can be adjusted.

Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member.