Abstract: A multi-sided spiraled plastic container for liquid, flowable, and squeezable products may be suitable for use with food or beverage products packaged by traditional hot-fill processes. The container includes an open top through which the container is adapted to be filled, and a body portion having a shoulder section, which extends downwardly from the open top towards a closed base portion. The body portion has a plurality of vacuum panel pairs which are disposed in a spiral fashion about the body portion and configured for contributing to a superior top load strength of the container.

Abstract: A liquid containing vessel has an aseptic straw housing. The vessel includes a beverage container having a liquid chamber and a separate, dry, straw housing chamber adapted for housing a straw enclosed in an aseptic environment. The arrangement of the internal chamber, the liquid and the straw housing chamber prevents contact between the aseptic straw and the liquid. An external outlet aperture in the aseptic straw housing chamber affords access to the aseptic straw from points outside of the container. The dual chamber construction provides a dry environment for housing the aseptic straw. Contemporaneous presentment of a straw with a beverage is accomplished in a convenient and reliable manner without compromising the integrity of the beverage or the straw.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ignition device is provided. The method includes patterning a plurality of resistors on a membrane to form heating elements and thermally isolating the heating elements from an external environment via a cavity disposed adjacent to the heating elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser etching method for optical ablation working by irradiating a work article formed of an inorganic material with a laser light from a laser oscillator capable of emitting in succession light pulses of a large energy density in space and time with a pulse radiation time not exceeding 1 picosecond, wherein, in laser etching of the work article formed of the inorganic material by irradiation thereof with the laser light from the laser oscillator with a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined energy density, there is utilized means for preventing deposition of a work by-product around the etching position.

Abstract: A process for polishing a glass substrate required to have high-degree of flatness and smoothness, is provided. A preliminarily polished glass substrate is applied with a surface treatment by a first-step gas-cluster ion beam etching to improve the flatness, and then, the glass substrate is applied with a surface treatment by a second-step gas-cluster ion beam etching having different irradiation conditions of those of the first-step gas-cluster ion beam etching to improve the surface roughness, whereby the glass substrate is finish-polished to have a flatness of at most 0.05 ?m and a surface roughness (Rms) of at most 0.25 nm.

Abstract: A method for controlling a thickness of a first layer of an electrical contact of a semiconductor device, whereby the semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer, a first layer and a second layer, whereby at least a part of the semi-conductor layer is covered with the first layer, whereby at least a part of the first layer is covered with the second layer, whereby the second layer is exposed to a plasma gas, whereby an upper face of the first layer adjacent to the second layer is treated by the plasma gas and an interlayer is generated between the first and the second layer reducing the thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: A method for removing a protective film from a surface of an article is provided. The protective film includes a primary protective layer (e.g., a diamond-like carbon layer) and a transition layer, the transition layer being formed directly upon the surface of the article and thereby facilitating an attachment/bond of the protective film to the article. The method includes the step of: disposing/placing the article having the protective film in a reaction chamber; bombarding the protective film (especially, the primary protective layer) with oxidative plasma beams along an edge portion of the protective film, the bombarding occurring until the transition layer in particular is exposed; and bombarding the transition layer with oxidative plasma beams to damage a configuration of the transition layer, thereby making it possible to remove the protective film.

Abstract: A low-k dielectric film is deposited on the wafer. A metal layer is then deposited over the low-k dielectric film. A resist pattern is formed over the metal layer. The resist pattern is then transferred to the underlying metal layer to form a metal pattern. The resist pattern is stripped off. A through hole is plasma etched into the low-k dielectric film by using the metal pattern as a hard mask. The plasma etching causes residues to deposit within the through hole. A wet treatment is then performed to soften the residues. A plasma dry treatment is carried out to crack the residues.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus has a simplified structure for stripping a supporting plate from a layered structure, occupies less space, and strips a supporting plate in a shorter period of time. The stripping apparatus comprises a transfer robot, a cassette, a stripping device and a cleaning device which surround the transfer robot. The stripping device comprises a chucking plate for attracting and retaining a layered structure, and a stripping plate for stripping the supporting plate from the layered structure. The chucking plate is constructed so as to be rotated by 180° within a vertical plane, elevated and lowered in a vertical direction in a state of retaining the layered structure.

Abstract: A weld circuit for use in a welder is provided. The weld circuit comprises a charge section, a capacitor section, and a weld section. The charge section includes a first plurality of solid state switches, e.g., silicon controlled rectifiers (charge SCRs), the capacitor section includes a weld capacitor, and the weld section includes a second plurality of solid state switches, e.g., silicon controlled rectifiers (weld SCRs). The charge SCRs form a bridge between the lines in the charge circuit. One weld SCR is coupled to a first weld terminal and the other weld SCR is coupled to a second weld terminal. The charge and weld SCRs isolate the charge section, the capacitor section, and the weld section from each other. The weld circuit is coupleable to a safety circuit that comprises a resistor, a microcontroller, and optical isolators. When the optical isolators are enabled, the microcontroller monitors a current flowing through the resistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembly of small structures is disclosed. The present invention discloses electron beams created from one or more nanotips in an array operated in a field emission mode that can be controlled to apply heat to very well defined spots. The multiple electron beams may be generated and deflected and applied to electron beam heating and welding applications.

Abstract: A multipurpose plate burner system is presented where a collection of components may be selected in combination to configure the system to achieve one of a selection of purposes. A combination selected from supports, pivots, pivot arms, trammel points, and wheels support a shaft over a workpiece. The cutting nozzle of a torch is supported by one of a selection of torch nozzle receptacles, providing for a range of perpendicular or angled cutting edges. The shaft supports the selected torch nozzle receptacle. Additional components may be optionally selected, such as a saddle support fitted on the shaft for supporting the torch tool and additional torch leveling supports. Depending on the combination of components selected, the plate burner system may be configured to cut circles with or without beveling, cut in obstructed locations, such as corners, cut along track lines, or perform protractor and other marking functions.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a three dimensional topographical support member for producing apertured films, to the three dimensional topographical support member formed by the method of the invention, and to the apertured film produced thereon.

Abstract: A laser processing method which can accurately cut an object to be processed along a line to cut is provided. A modified region 7 formed by multiphoton absorption forms a cutting start region 8 within an object to be processed 1 along a line to cut 5. Thereafter, the object 1 is irradiated with laser light L2 absorbable by the object 1 along the line to cut 5, so as to generate fractures 24 from the cutting start region 8 acting as a start point, whereby the object 1 can accurately be cut along the line to cut 5. Expanding an expandable film 19 having the object 1 secured thereto separates individual chips 25 from each other, which can further improve the reliability in cutting the object 1 along the line to cut 5.

Abstract: A welder having an internal shielding gas regulator is disclosed. The welder has an internal gas cylinder and an internal regulator disposed in an enclosure. The welder may be equipped with an auxiliary shielding gas cylinder inlet so that a bulk shielding gas cylinder can be attached thereto and have a flow therefrom regulated by the internal shielding gas regulator. The welder constructed according to the invention is highly transportable, compact, and self-sufficient.

Abstract: The invention is a consumable guide tube comprising a thin first elongated strip, a second elongated strip and a plurality of insulators. The thin first elongated strip has a front face and a back face and the front face has at least one longitudinal channel. The second elongated strip has a front face and a back face and the front face of the second elongated strip is configured to be coupled to the front face of the thin first elongated strip. The plurality of insulator modules are deposited on the back face of the thin first elongated strip and on the back face of the second elongated strip. Preferably, the thin first elongated strip is a low carbon cold rolled steel strip, and the second elongated strip is a low carbon hot rolled steel strip. The guide tube can also be configured to comprise two or more longitudinal channels.

Abstract: A door assembly for a home appliance includes a door that opens and closes a heating chamber. The door may include a first plate and a second plate, the first and second plates forming a first air gap in the door for insulating heat in the heating chamber. Additionally, a valve may be provided in the door, the valve may selectively allow air outside the first air gap to communicate with the first air gap.

Abstract: Provided is an electric oven. The electric oven includes a cavity defining a cooking chamber, a heater mounted in the cavity and a tray member on which food is loaded, the tray assembly being slidably inserted into the cavity and plated to enhance heat absorption rate.

Abstract: Apparatus, reactors, and methods for heating substrates are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stage comprising a body and a surface having an area to support a substrate, a shaft coupled to the stage, a first heating element disposed within a central region of the body of the stage, and at least second and third heating elements disposed within the body of the stage, the at least second and third heating elements each partially surrounding the first heating element and wherein the at least second and third heating elements are circumferentially adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for preventing overheating of a cooking appliance, comprising a power circuit in which at least one heating element (11 to 14) is connected and a control circuit in which at least one coupling switch (21 to 27) is connected, wherein the control circuit and the power circuit are electrically coupled by means of the coupling switch (21 to 27), wherein a safety switch (5) is connected into the control circuit, and said safety switch can be actuated depending on the temperature in the cooking appliance in such a manner when a limiting temperature in the cooking appliance is exceeded, the coupling switch (21 to 27) interrupts a power supply via the power circuit to the heating element (11 to 14). The invention also relates to a method for preventing overheating of a cooking appliance.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit includes a current path from the power source to the heating element back to the power source, a switch connected in the current path, and a current sensor. The method includes initiating a heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, initiating a non-heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, applying a voltage to the heating element during the non-heating state, sensing a leakage current of the heating element during the application of the voltage, and determining a degradation of the heating element with the sensed leakage current.

Abstract: An inhaler device includes a heating element and a heating chamber disposed within a housing adapted to be handheld. A heating chamber cover may at least partially eject the heating from the housing when the heating chamber cover is displaced relative to the housing. A mouthpiece may be displaceable relative to the housing, and may partially define a cavity coupled to the heating chamber. A controller may prevent heating of the heating chamber if the mouthpiece is not displaced relative to the housing or if the heating chamber cover is not in a closed position.

Abstract: A heater unit comprises: a hot wire heating unit; an induction heating unit provided adjacent to the hot wire heating unit and operated by induction heating; and connectors each for connecting the hot wire heating unit to the induction heating unit. A cooker comprises: a casing; a heating plate provided on an upper surface of the casing; a hot wire heating unit provided on a bottom surface of the heating plate for generating heat according to application of an electric power; an induction heating unit provided on the bottom surface of the heating plate for being adjacent to the hot wire heating unit and operated by induction heating; connectors each for connecting the hot wire heating unit to the induction heating unit; and support members each provided on the bottom surface of the hot wire heating unit and for supporting the hot wire heating unit.

Abstract: A heat exchange system and processes for a magnetic annealing tool is provided. The system includes a process chamber housing workpieces to be processed; an element chamber partly surrounding the periphery of the process chamber, at least one means for drawing a vacuum in fluid communication with the process chamber and separately with the element chamber in order to apply a vacuum to either or both of the process and element chamber so as to promote radiation heating of the workpieces; at least one supply of fluid in communication with the process chamber and separately with the element chamber to supply a cooling gas so as to promote conductive cooling of the workpieces; a cooling chamber disposed to surround the element chamber; and means for generating a magnetic field disposed on the outer periphery of the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A heater unit is provided, the heater unit equipped with an induction heating coil and an electric heater selectively operated based on kind and state of a load of a cooking vessel placed on the heater unit. The kind is determined by an input current inputted when a load-type determination unit causes the induction heating coil to be operated and a resonance current flowing into the induction heating coil. The state is determined by a temperature change of the heater unit when a load-state determination unit allows the electric heater to generate heat, and the induction heating coil and the electric heater are selectively operated based on the determined kind and state of the load. Accordingly, a user needs not to scrupulously determine the kind of the cooking vessel and the electric cooker is not operated under a no-load state to prevent occurrence of safety accidents.

Abstract: A compression system for an inductively heated pusher furnace controls movement of susceptors during thermal contraction thereof. The system includes a plurality of furnace sections each having a susceptor wherein each susceptor abuts an adjacent susceptor and wherein the susceptors include first and last susceptors. A compression plate abuts the first susceptor to apply force thereon toward the last susceptor to keep the susceptors in abutment with each other during contraction of the susceptors during cooling thereof. An actuator for moving the compression plate is preferably automatically controlled by a computerized control system. The susceptors together form a tunnel through which pusher plates travel and have overlapping joints which seal against the escape of gasses and allow for a degree of susceptor contraction without forming a gap therebetween even in the absence of compression of the susceptors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heating apparatus designed to heat an object to be heated through induction heat generation of a heat generating part made of glasslike carbon, and that can rapidly raise or lower the temperature without contamination of the object which has a large area and is formed into a shape of a substrate such as a silicon wafer. The heating apparatus includes a heating container for receiving the object. The container is constructed such that at least a portion of the container formed into a shape of a plate is made of glasslike carbon, and that the portion of the container serves as a heat generating part. A high-frequency plate-shaped coil is disposed at the outside of the container while the coil is adjacent and is opposed to the heat generating part of the container, and which is wound approximately into a shape of a plate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to prevent temperature decrease in a border portion of each of heating coils and to enable to eliminate an influence given by the change in a load state. In order to attain this object, an induction heating unit according to the present invention is provided with control units respectively corresponding to a plurality of heating units. A phase detector of the control unit obtains a phase difference between an output current (heating coil current) of an inverter detected by a current transformer reference signal outputted by a reference signal generating section, and inputs it to a drive control section. The drive control section adjusts an output timing (phase) of a gate pulse to be given to the inverter so as to make a phase of the heating coil current of the inverter coincide with a phase of the reference signal outputted by the reference signal generating section.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency heating apparatus which can heat the inside of the subject to be heated by high-frequency heating, and can apply scorch onto the surface of the subject to be heated. The high-frequency heating apparatus comprises a heating room for storing therein a subject to be heated, a heating unit that is provided at the upper portion of the heating room and performs heater heating, a high-frequency generating unit that is provided at the bottom of the heating room and generates a high-frequency wave to perform high-frequency heating, a high-frequency heating element having a high-frequency heat generating film on its rear surface, and a saucer for placing thereon the subject to be heated, in which a gap is provided between the high-frequency heating element and the saucer. Hereby, scorch can be applied onto a surface of the subject to be heated.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell design is presented wherein the system allows the intermittent use of the fuel in the cartridge. The fuel cell and cartridge provide improved design characteristics that improve the portability of fuel cells for use in portable electronic devices.

Abstract: The present Invention is to relate the idea of a typical injection- molded circumferentially closed container that have two departments to hold yogurt, etc. The top department is to hold the yogurt, etc. The top department has an indention on the side of the body of the container with an internally threaded wall at its bottom. The indention in the top department is a compartment to fit a spoon for quick eating; the spoon within the compartment is to not be attached within the compartment. The internally threaded wall at the bottom of the top department is for the attachment/detachment of the lower department. The lower department is to contain a variety of accompaniments for the yogurt, etc. The lower department has a spout below an externally threaded wall portion; the spout and threaded wall portion are separated. The spout for the lower department is for an easy pouring action of accompaniments for the contents in the top department.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed to form an aesthetically pleasing trash container. The integrated connection of the side wall, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash container construction. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate metal fasteners or connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components by integrally forming the connectors into the injection molded panels which are snapped together to complete the assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed condition or an erected condition, including a base (102), a pair of side walls (104) and a pair of side walls (106) that are pivotally attached to the base. The walls (104,106) are arranged to lie substantially parallel with the base (102) when collapsed and to stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected. The free edges of the erected walls define an open mouth. A pair of stacking elements (116) are located adjacent to the free edges of the end walls (106) for supporting the base of another container stacked on the first container. The end walls (106) lie adjacent the base (102) and side walls (104) overlie the end walls when collapsed.

Abstract: Plastic foam has excellent heat insulation properties, however, moisture absorption is causing a decrease in the heat insulation, and plastic foam has almost no mechanical strength. Therefore, a heat insulation material that absorbs almost no moisture and has satisfactory strength is desired to appear. According to the present invention, a foam composite with a skin can be formed in one shot by charging plastic powders or minute particles together with polyolefin pellets that can be cross-linked and foamed in a mold, and heating the mold while rotating. The composite absorbs almost no moisture, having satisfactory strength, being excellent as an insulating material. Further, providing a covering of a non-foaming or a slightly foaming material to the pellet of polyolefin that can be cross-linked and foamed, and conducting the forming, foamed granules of preferably 5 to 50 mm largeness as a core, and a covering of a reinforcing member with 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: A lid for a container having a built-in opening feature comprises a flexible laminate comprising an upper layer and a lower layer, a pair of radially spaced concentric lines of weakness being formed in the laminate, an outer one of the lines of weakness being formed in the upper layer and an inner one of the lines of weakness being formed in the lower layer, wherein the upper and lower layers in an annular region between the lines of weakness are readily peeled apart, and wherein the upper and lower layers outside the annular region are laminated together with an adhesive providing a bond with a greater peel strength than that required to separate the layers in the annular region.

Abstract: A container with a foot-activated lid is described. An foot-activation mechanism for coupling a foot pedal to the lid includes a horizontal wire disposed horizontally across the bottom of the container, and a vertical wire disposed vertically along a side wall of the container. The foot pedal is mounted on the bottom of the container and pivots around a hinge located at a distance from the side wall. When the foot pedal is pressed down, the horizontal wire rotates around its main segment, and the first bent segment pushes the vertical wire upward. The upper end of the vertical wire is coupled to a pivoting portion of a lid mounting member and causes the lid to open when the vertical wire moves upward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure for a container. In one of the embodiments provided herein, the closure is provided with a roof portion, a shoulder portion that merges with the roof portion, and a skirt portion depending from the shoulder portion. Provided on the shoulder portion are recessed regions and full-depth regions. The recessed regions and full-depth regions alternate around the shoulder portion and are provided for improving a number of manufacturing, costs, and structural factors.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use on a tank containing liquid fluid requiring venting, the assembly comprising: a vent portion that includes a top surface, and at least one venting channel, each venting channel capable of providing fluid communication between a tank on which the vent portion is disposed and atmosphere external the tank, the channel having an exit to atmosphere that is disposed on the vent portion below the top surface of the vent portion.

Abstract: A closure for maintaining pressure against a seal affixed to a container lip during a thermal sterilization process includes a top wall and an annular skirt depending from said top wall, at least one retaining structure extending from the annular skirt, a reseal structure rotatably disposed above said retaining structure and adjacent said top wall, an inner seal rotatably disposed above the retaining structure and beneath a lower surface of said reseal structure, wherein said inner seal and said reseal structure are both rotatable relative to said closure.

Abstract: A fuel container for storing a fuel liquid for a fuel cell has a double wall structure including an inner container for storing a fuel liquid and an outer container for housing the inner container, and a material capable of retaining the fuel between the inner container and the outer container. A fuel cell pack includes a fuel cell and a fuel container for storing a fuel liquid for the fuel cell. The fuel cell pack includes a double wall exterior casing having an inner casing for housing the fuel cell and the fuel container and an outer casing for housing the inner casing, and a material capable of retaining the fuel between the inner casing and the outer casing.

Abstract: A thermally-insulating cup holding sleeve comprises an elongated cover, a strip of foam material and a plurality of cup gripping members. The elongated cover has opposing end portions thereof attached to each other such that the elongated cover forms a tapered sleeve body having an interior face and an exterior face. The elongated cover includes an interior space extending along substantially an entire length of the elongated cover. The strip of foam material is disposed within the interior space of the elongated cover. The strip of foam material extends along substantially an entire length of the elongated cover. The plurality of cup gripping members is attached in a spaced-apart manner to the interior face of the elongated cover.

Abstract: A trash receptacle extension is configured to be secured to the bottom surface of a standard trash receiving receptacle having side walls and a bottom wall. The extension has multiple side walls which, when secured to the receptacle, extend past the bottom wall of the receptacle. The side walls of the extension are secured to the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the receptacle to form a partially enclosed space below the bottom wall of the container. The space beneath the bottom wall permits the insertion of the lower section of a cleaning implement within the space. A standard trash receptacle is thus easily converted to form a receptacle which can store a cleaning implement and provide a compact unit which allows for ready access of cleaning implements at one location, a unit which can easily and conveniently be transported for use to any given location for cleaning and sweeping.

Abstract: Methods of covering a horizontally orientated substantially cylindrical propane tank supported on a surface, with the propane tank having a longest dimension parallel to the surface. One method comprises providing a cover having at least one closure mechanism, surrounding the propane tank with the cover, and closing the closure mechanism, wherein the cover can only be removed from the propane tank by opening the closure mechanism. Another method comprises providing a cover comprising a covering portion and a skirt extending downwardly from the covering portion, positioning the covering portion of the cover over the horizontally orientated cylindrical propane tank, and vertically hanging the skirt from the covering portion.

Abstract: A safety insert for a five gallon container of paint, laquer, finish, or other liquid material to prevent a child from falling into the five gallon container and drowning or suffocating. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An insulated sleeve for a drinking glass of the type having a stem and a bowl, the sleeve adapted to extend about the glass and comprising insulating material, the sleeve having an upper opening and a lower opening, the upper opening having a peripheral edge which, in use, extends about the bowl of the glass, the lower opening being smaller than the upper opening and adapted to extend about the stem of the glass, the sleeve having an elongated releasable closure means extending from the lower opening and adjacent to but spaced from the upper opening to allow the lower opening to be enlarged prior to receiving the glass and then reduced so that the sleeve snugly receives the glass therein.

Abstract: A diaper pail has a body with an interior container space and an access opening into the interior container space. A diaper receptacle is also in the body and has a diaper receiving opening into the receptacle. An obstruction is provided that can be moved between a receiving orientation and a dumping orientation. In one aspect, an input device I configured to signal a part of the diaper pail to automatically operate the obstruction between the dumping orientation and the receiving orientation to receive a soiled diaper into the diaper receptacle and to dump the soiled diaper from the diaper receptacle into the interior container space. In another aspect, an activated charcoal filter is in communication with at least the interior storage space and is designed to chemically eliminate odors that emanate from the soiled diapers in the interior storage space.