Abstract: A motorized and heated curling iron having interchangeable heads enables easy and consistent operation with reduced wrist and arm fatigue.

Abstract: A pressure pickup heating bar, in particular for a pressure pickup glow plug, having an electrical heating element (1) and a pressure sensor (3) onto which the pressure present at the heating bar (1) is transmitted. The heating bar has a support tube (2) which encompasses the heating element (1) on the outside with an axial pretension. A pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the heating element (1) and the support tube (2) and is subjected to pressure that is present on the heating bar.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer temperature measurement method takes advantage of the tight control of the surface conditions and temperature of a hot susceptor, which tight control provides known and reproducible radiation emissions from the hot susceptor. The known amount of radiation emitted by the hot susceptor is employed as a stable radiation source for making precise reflectance and emission measurements of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus to effectively agitate and evenly distribute high-temperature air into a cooking chamber by use of a single driving fan and a plurality of driven fans. The cooking apparatus includes the cooking chamber, the driving fan arranged at a rear wall of the cooking chamber, a convection heater to surround the driving fan, the plurality of driven fans arranged on a circumference of the driving fan, and a fan cover having a plurality of suction holes and discharge holes. The driving fan is connected with a drive motor to rotate in accordance with an operation of the drive motor. The driven fans rotate by use of air streams generated when the driving fan rotates. The high-temperature air is evenly agitated in accordance with the rotation of the driven fans to be distributed into the cooking chamber via the discharge holes in all directions.

Abstract: A rack for an appliance comprises a support platform including a support frame and a plurality of elongated support wires attached to the support frame to form a support surface extending generally along a plane. An upwardly projecting portion is adapted to engage structure of an appliance to inhibit the rack from being removed therefrom. In one example, at least one leg section is attached to the support platform and extends a distance along a longitudinal axis of the support platform that is less than half of the total length of the support platform. In addition or alternatively, the support frame includes a rear member having a portion that is bent inwardly in a direction towards the front member so as to be spaced a distance from a rear wall of an appliance. In addition or alternatively, an arrangement for supporting items in an appliance includes the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating device (1) comprising at least one heating element and a control device (4). An emergency cutout is provided in the event of a crash such that an electric short circuit can be effectively prevented in the electric heating device (1) or a fire following undesired overheating can be effectively prevented in the event of said crash.

Abstract: A portable heating controller with a portable power source is provided, which has a portable power source, a capacity detection circuit, a discharging controller, and a processor. The portable power source is used to supply power to the portable heating controller, and the capacity detection circuit is coupled to the portable power source to detect the remaining capacity of the portable power source. The discharging controller is connected between the portable power source and the heating apparatus to connect or disconnect the discharging path therebetween. The processor is coupled to the capacity detection circuit to receive the detecting result and is coupled to the discharging controller to control a conductive frequency to adjust a power level of the portable heating controller.

Abstract: The subject is a household electrical appliance (1) comprising two articulated heating sub-assemblies (2, 3) and resistances (7) connected to an electricity supply component (8). The component (8) can be separated from the resistances and includes contactors (9). It is moreover adapted to engage with a hinge (4) by which the two heating sub-assemblies (2, 3) are articulated, the hinge, which includes at least one mobile part (16), being configured in a way either to implement the articulation of the sub-assemblies, under the effect of acting upon said mobile part (16) to bring it towards an articulation position through the electricity supply component (8, 11) then engaging its connection with the corresponding electric resistance (7), or to allow the relative separation of the sub-assemblies by releasing the mobile part (16) which is no longer acted upon by the electricity supply component (8, 11), when it is disconnected.

Abstract: A method of processing a parallel resistance heating cable is described. The cable comprises a heating element connected between two longitudinally extending conductors. The method comprises applying a current along at least one of the conductors, such that the surface temperature of the conductor is raised by ohmic heating to substantially the thermal transition point that allows plastic flow of the heating element. This step is for improving the bond between the conductors and the heating element.

Abstract: A controller provides adjustable power levels to heat a cooking device. A power flow controller can be used to adjust levels of power received from a power source.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a fixing apparatus including a mold (holding member) formed by injection molding to hold a coil so that the coil maintains a predetermined positional relation with respect to a heating roller, and capable of holding a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the heating roller and a thermostat which detects an abnormal temperature of the heating roller in predetermined positions facing the heating roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined toaster and microwave oven having a function to cook food by using microwave and a function to bake bread. Accordingly, the present invention provides a combined toaster and microwave oven comprising: a body forming an appearance thereof; a cavity formed in the body, for accommodating objects to be cooked by using microwave; an electronic chamber provided at a portion inside the body and in which electronic parts for applying microwave into the cavity are installed; and a toaster. The toaster comprises: a toaster case provided in the front of the electronic chamber and having slits on both sides thereof; at least one tray assembly having means for receiving and ejecting bread and preventing the bread from slanting; and a heater assembly installed inside the toaster case, for heating the bread.

Abstract: An over the range oven includes a main body defining a cooking cavity therein, wherein the cooking cavity includes a front edge surrounding an opening. An RF generation module is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. At least one radiant heat source is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to supply heat energy to the cooking cavity. The oven is configured to operate in a radiant heat mode of operation, a microwave mode of operation, a dual mode of operation, and a self clean mode of operation.

Abstract: A microwave energy emitter (108) is positioned in a microwave transparent chamber (123) within a material holding vessel (106) of a microwave containment vessel (122). The holding vessel (106) may be transparent to microwave energy and is further provided with a microwave reflective component outward, on, or beyond an exterior surface (121) of the wall of the holding vessel (106). The microwave reflective component reflects microwaves back into the fluid holding vessel (106). The fluid holding vessel (106) encloses a material that absorbs microwave energy. An inlet path (116) and outlet path (112) is provided for the material to flow in and out of the vessel upon predetermined conditions. Heated material can be condensed via a condenser (124) into a collection vessel (120). A controller (126) is provided to send control signals to a switching device (100) for controlling the material flow and receiving sensing signals for decision generation.

Abstract: A browning accessory for use in a microwave oven, for substantially simultaneous microwave cooking of a food item and browning or crusting the upper side thereof, is disclosed. The browning accessory comprises a microwave absorbing material operative to convert microwave energy into thermal energy; and an outer enclosure comprising a skirt portion extending downwards below the microwave absorbing material, in the working position of the accessory, such as to reduce convection cooling of the microwave absorbing material during use of the accessory.

Abstract: A foldable-storage box includes two folding board sets, a mounting frame, a bottom board and two pivotable lateral boards. The two folding board sets are assembled opposite to each other, each having an upper folding board and a lower folding board pivotably coupled with each other, a top edge of the upper folding board pivotably coupled with a longitudinal side of the mounting frame, and a bottom edge of the lower folding board pivotably coupled with a longitudinal side of the bottom board. The two pivotable lateral boards are pivotably coupled to both lateral sides of the mounting frame, respectively, opposite to each other. When unused, it can be stowed after folded, thereby effectively reducing storage space and saving both transportation volume and cost.

Abstract: An organizer for holding and organizing cargo is disclosed. The case comprises a pair of case halves, one side edge of each half including a mutually-cooperating hinge. The case is adapted to contain a collapsible wall extension means that comprises two end walls and two side walls. Each wall includes an upper edge, a lower edge, an inside surface, and an outside surface. Each side wall includes two side wall panels that are pivotally joined together at a side wall panel hinge means. The collapsible wall extension means is configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. A plurality of snap pins may be temporarily inserted through aperture in each half of the case and each side wall to retain each side wall panel to the case, the case and the wall extension means forming an open-ended bin for holding the cargo.

Abstract: An ergonomic plate is adapted for being held in one hand of a user. The plate includes a molded plate form having a topside defining a food placement area, and an opposing underside. An inwardly curved hand indent is formed along a peripheral edge of the plate form. A reinforcing fold is formed along the hand indent. The reinforcing fold is adapted for strengthening and stabilizing the molded plate form when the ergonomic plate is carried in the hand of the user.

Abstract: A device for holding a first container within a second, larger container includes an endless band with a peripheral flanged lip extending outwardly from a top edge and an arrangement of flap members extending inwardly from a bottom edge of the band and forming a continuous curvlinear edge with inwardly directed arcuate sections surrounding a central opening. The device is removably fitted over the top of the first container with the arcuate edge sections engaging the underside of the container lid or an annular ring on the threaded neck of the first container. The flanged lip is sized, structured and configured for seated engagement on the top rim of the larger container with the first container held suspended within the interior of the larger container. A removable lid covers the top opening of the larger container with the first container held therein.

Abstract: A drinking cup that teaches a child how to drink from a cup while minimizing spills includes an elongated, generally cylindrical housing for holding a liquid, the housing has an inside surface, an outside surface, and a bottom; an elongated, generally cylindrical insert with an inner surface and an outer surface where the insert fits within the housing; and a cap removably mounted to the housing. The insert includes a plurality of tabs located on the outer surface of the insert and a plurality of feet extending downwardly from the bottom of the insert that create a space between the insert and the housing. The space receives any liquid flowing between the inner surface of the insert and the outer surface of the insert. The cap has a plurality of openings formed therein and the openings are in fluid communication with the space formed between the insert and the housing.

Abstract: Packaging for moisture-sensitive material, in particular detergent material, comprising an outer container comprising a container body and a lid cover hingedly fixed to the container body, and an inner bag made of water-impermeable flexible sheet material for receiving the moisture-sensitive material, the mouth of the inner bag being fixed both at the lid cover and at the sidewalls of the container body in such a way that, when the lid cover is lifted, the lower part of the inner bag is significantly lifted from the bottom of the container body.

Abstract: A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.

Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid, comprising a plug having an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface, said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: A carton fitment (2) has a base flange (4) and a pour spout (6) closed by a screw on overcap (8). The base flange (4) has a barrier foil (30) coated on both sides with a plastic layer embedded in a sacrificial receiving wall (32) surrounding the periphery of the base flange (4).

Abstract: A closure for a container having a container opening is provided herein. The closure includes an annular top having an inner skirt depending downwardly from an inner perimeter of the annular top and having an outer skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the annular top. An annular bottom extends radially inward from the inner skirt, and the annular bottom has defined thereon a dispensing aperture positioned adjacent to the container opening when the closure is mounted to the container. A sealing member is formed to the annular bottom for closing the dispensing aperture. The outer skirt optionally includes a hingedly flexible flap having one or more gussets dimensioned to cooperate with the anti-rotation structure of a neck finish.

Abstract: The pressure cooker has a pot (2) with a base and a side wall and an upper rim (6). A lid (3) can be connected to the pot (2) in a sealed manner along the abovementioned upper rim (6). In the presence of a predetermined positive pressure, a locking device (12) connects the lid (3) to the pot in a non-releasable manner in conjunction with a pressure element (11) arranged on the lid (3). The locking device (12), in a fitting (5) of the lid (3), has a rocker (12a) which is mounted in a movable manner and, for control purposes and in order to lock the lid (3), interacts with the pot (2) and the abovementioned pressure element (11). Locking takes place automatically when the pressure cooker is closed and the locking means can be produced in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A container for food is provided, including a bowl with a base, a side wall, and a bowl brim encircling the top, as well as a tightly sealing lid, if necessary, with the lid including a soft-elastic sealing material or being provided with a soft-elastic seal in the contact area to the bowl brim. Fastening elements are provided on the lid and/or on the bowl for a detachable fastening of the lid onto the bowl while applying pressure between the lid and the bowl brim. Two or more or the fastening elements are connected to one another such that their movale parts can be moved together by one slide bar each.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container comprising a snap-in closure disposed between an upper part and a lower part of the container, the snap-in closure having a relatively strong holding or locking force and able to be opened relatively easily. The snap-in closure comprises a snap-in tab constructed out of the wall of one part of the container and detached along three sides, with a snap-in key disposed at the upper free end of the said snap-in closure and able to engage in a coordinated snap-in slit at the opposite container part.

Abstract: A garbage can liner which can be disposed in a bottom inside surface of a garbage can. The liner can comprise a liquid absorbent permeable material in the form of at least one layer, including a deodorant material embedded therein and at least one handle coupled to the permeable material wherein the handle extends up a side of said garbage can. This liner can also include a tray, wherein the garbage can liner can be placed in this tray. In this case, the handle can further comprise an attachment element for attaching the handle to a side of the can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for components to be mounted in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The fastening device comprises a fastening element, a head part, which is joined to a base part such as the wall of the fuel tank, and a head part that is placed on a component. Respective head parts which are provided for fastening a line to be lead through the wall of the fuel tank, have a continuous duct. A head part on a base part and a head part on a component are pressed together and are made from a material that swells when brought into contact with fuel. This enables the line to be easily fastened to a wall of the fuel tank whereby being sealed with regard thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a platter ensemble that has two platters inter nested or stack, so that they appear as one unit. The upper platter has a large recessed area to hold the foodstuff, such as lobster or other shellfish. This recessed area has slots or holes to allow for the drainage of the liquid from the foodstuff, which is then contained by the lower platter. The upper platter has a supporting system of continuous tabs or stand offs that contact and separate the upper platter from the lower platter, so as to prevent deflection of the upper platter from the weight of the foodstuff or the pressures exerted by a fork or knife, for example. The upper platter also has a smaller recessed reservoir area to hold sauces, melted butter, or similar items. The lower platter has one continuous recessed area that is deeper and slightly larger than the upper platter to allow for inter nesting, stacking, and the containment of the liquid that has drained from the foodstuff.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted to an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position, where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward onto the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed on the interior of the adjacent wall.

Abstract: A container with anti-slip capability includes: a container body having a bottom wall that has an outer surface and that is formed with a bottom groove indented inwardly from the outer surface; and a flexible anti-slip member that is mounted in the bottom groove and that has an outer end face flush with the outer surface of the bottom wall of the container body.

Abstract: A crate including a bottom, a plurality of sides extending upwardly from the bottom, each of the plurality of sides being joined with the bottom and the plurality of sides being joined with one another to define an open top in the crate, at least one of the plurality of sides including a first opening defining a handle, at least one of the plurality of sides including a plurality of secondary openings, wherein each of the plurality of secondary openings is sized to prevent the insertion of a grabbing tool such as a hook.

Abstract: A container cover for use with a container having a neck with a rim. The cover includes a lid with a spout hole, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, a concentric plug seal extending downward from the lid inside the skirt, a spout hole door hingeably connected to the lid, and at least one non-flexing lock and one flexing lock, each having an inwardly projecting wedge, which lock the cover in place on the container by engaging the bead ring. The nonflexing lock wedge is preferably shaped as a truncated teardrop and positioned so as to facilitate removing the lid. When the cover is locked on the container, the plug seal provides a seal against the inside of the container neck. The spout door seals the spout hole when closed and prevents unlatching of the flex lock when open.

Abstract: A single-use disposable sippie lid for use by the food and beverage industry to be integrated with a disposable beverage container. The single-use disposable sippie lid includes a spout extending from the main body of the lid. The spout being perforated and tapered to enable a child to drink from the beverage container. The brim of the lid extends down to securely mate the lid with the beverage container to inhibit spilling when the beverage container is tipped for drinking. A drinking straw access port is also integrated onto the main body of the lid, to permit the user to use either a standard straw or use the spout.

Abstract: A beverage can with top and bottom heat barrier ends for protecting the user from scalding when consuming a beverage heated by induction heating.

Abstract: A latching system including both apparatus and methods addresses the need for a reusable latch that is identical on either side of a container opening, thereby facilitating container manufacture. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for assuring the quality of latchable container enclosed contents and enhancing the safety of container users by providing an unopened condition assurance element such as a tab that is removable from a reusable container latch. A novel latching system with a split insertion clement on a first latch side and unitary receptor element on a second latch side is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment involves an elastically obstructed latch as used on a squeeze-openable container.

Abstract: A sealed container lid of a vacuum valve operation type is provided, in which an engagement structure of a silicon packing is simple, and a relatively strong sealing force is obtained. A process for engaging or disengaging a lid to a container body may be performed based one-touch method. The sealed contained lid of a vacuum valve operation type comprises a body which is injection-molded and has a circular groove formed in a horizontally and outwardly opened shape for an engagement of the silicon packing, and a downwardly bent peripheral part which is formed at an outer peripheral part of the body based on a double injection method while surrounding the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment drug dispensing device, for dispensing multiple medications to a patient. The device includes a plurality of compartments, for holding a plurality of drugs. Each compartment is separately labeled with information relevant for the contents of that compartment. The compartments may be associated into groups, corresponding to the desired administration protocol. Groups of compartments may be arranged on a strip, and multiple strips may be provided in a container such as a dispensing box, to provide a system for dispensing multiple drugs per day, over a course of multiple days. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser (1) for dispensing a multiplicity of unit products (3) having a storage area (100) for storing the unit products, an outlet opening (311) through which the unit products are dispensable from the dispenser and a dispensing mechanism (350) adapted to dispense a predetermined number of said unit products through the outlet opening per actuation thereof. The dispenser is adapted such that the dispensing mechanism is actuable by pushing the dispenser into a palm of a user and such that the associated predetermined number of unit products is dispensed into that palm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for mixing various base colors of powder paint to create an application color of powder paint that is applied to an object, such as a vehicle body.

Abstract: A metering pump system for metering and pumping a metered volume of a fluid product has a storage chamber for storing the fluid product in; a metering chamber which is movable between a contracted state and an expanded state, the system adapted such tat movement of the metering chamber from its contracted state to its expanded state results in the metering chamber being placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber to enable the metering chamber to receive an excess volume of the fluid product that includes the metered volume and a surplus volume from the storage chamber and movement of the metering chamber from its expanded state to its contracted state causes the metered volume to be pumped from the metering chamber; a bleed mechanism; and an inlet valve mechanism.

Abstract: An improved system and method for dispensing dehydrated culture media (DCM) powder into containers for preparation as a culture media. The manual and automated systems and methods operate to dispense DCM powder, as well as liquid, into vessels or media preparation instruments in a manner to avoid DCM dust inhalation by persons in the surrounding area and contamination of equipment and surfaces in the surrounding area. The system can further comprise a carousel arrangement that permits dispensing of DCM powder from multiple containers at multiple volumes and rates. In addition, the containers have a particular configuration for use with the system and method, such as the carousel arrangement, to avoid errors, promote repeatability and eliminate dusting. The containers can also include a device, such as an auger, to facilitated measured dispensing of the DCM powder automatically or manually into a flask, automated media sterilizers or other instruments.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a port or aperture adapted for use with a luer end of a needleless syringe. The aperture is sealed to a closure top by a first frangible seal. An overcap has a cap base sealed to the container body and an upper cap connected to the cap base by a second frangible seal, providing a sterile barrier surrounding the first frangible seal. The second frangible seal is broken by depressing the upper cap toward the container body. Alternatively, the second frangible seal is a removable tear strip broken by tugging on the tear strip. The upper cap includes a detent portion frictionally securing the upper cap to the closure top when the upper cap is depressed toward the container body. The upper cap and secured closure top are removed from container body by twisting the upper cap to break the first frangible seal and open the port.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a port or aperture adapted for use with a luer end of a needleless syringe. The aperture is sealed to a closure top by a first frangible seal. An overcap has a cap base sealed to the container body and an upper cap connected to the cap base by a second frangible seal, providing a sterile barrier surrounding the first frangible seal. The second frangible seal is broken by depressing the upper cap toward the container body. Alternatively, the second frangible seal is a removable tear strip broken by tugging on the tear strip. The upper cap includes a detent portion frictionally securing the upper cap to the closure top when the upper cap is depressed toward the container body. The upper cap and secured closure top are removed from container body by twisting the upper cap to break the first frangible seal and open the port.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a container having a body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance. The container includes a first passageway that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines a flow path therebetween. The container also includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the first passageway relative to the storage chamber, and a first threaded connecting portion located at one end of the body for connecting another component thereto. The device also includes a one-way valve assembly that includes a valve body including a body base defining a second passageway and a piercing portion mounted within the valve body and engageable with the pierceable wall of the container.

Abstract: Manual device designed to facilitate the emptying of tubes storing pasty products, comprised of a pair of flat, substantially elongated arms, articulately joined together at one of their ends by way of a means of coupling comprised of a pair of tabs, folded orthogonally and provided with respective orifices, axially aligned, at the end of the first arm, and a pair of extensions, folded orthogonally and provided with respective protuberances, at the end of the second arm, determining a space between said coupled arms through which an empty, flattened portion of the tube may be inserted and slid. Furthermore, said arms are provided with inflexions whose fold lines are parallel with and close to the axis whereon the respective arms swing, and are designed to pinch the tube together and to prevent the passage towards the closed end of the tube of the product stored in the same.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system having control-based functionality for managing a beverage dispensing process and a cleaning process for fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The beverage dispensing system has one or more beverage containers that supply beverage(s) to beverage line(s), which in turn, supply the beverage(s) to dispense unit(s), or tap(s). A controller manages overall functionality of the system. Each beverage container includes a beverage port through which a beverage is output to an associated beverage line for communication to an associated tap. A coupler is affixed to the container and interfaces the associated beverage line to the beverage port on the container. The controller monitors flow through the beverage lines to determine whether any of the couplers are malfunctioning by allowing fluid to flow when the beverage dispensing process is disabled. The beverage lines also include fob detectors that are configured to facilitate the cleaning process.